Toy Tales recently invited me to share my collection of presidential-themed records. In light of the passing of the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, I dedicate this article to his memory.
Children’s records have covered many topics, and learning about the Presidents of the United States was no exception. In song, story, or dramatic interpretations, the following notable titles have helped children (and, to some extent, adults) recall the events that took place before, during, and after the individuals’ time in the highest office in the land.
Sing a Song of Presidents (Records of Knowledge, 1951 – 1953)
This series contains four volumes containing a gatefold packet of two 10″ 78 RPM records with eight songs. The inside covers feature drawings of each President along with the lyrics, making it easy to follow the songs. Volume five is unique, however: it contains a single 78 that dramatizes the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower in musical story form as a young boy leading to his becoming President in 1952.
Sing a Song of Presidents (Peter Pan, 1962)
Peter Pan compiled the above series’ recordings into one LP album, shortening the songs due to content. In the case of Dwight D. Eisenhower, they used only the song portions. The only original recording for the album was John F. Kennedy, performed as a ballad—which is not bad considering they made the mistake of referring to him as “Number 34″ instead of 35. Peter Pan would correct this on a subsequent 7” 78 and 45 RPM single, albeit with a new song rendition.
Young Abe Lincoln (Golden, 1961)
The musical of the young man who would become the 16th President performed at York Theater in New York in April of 1961. Arthur Shimkin, the co-founder of Golden Records, brought the cast in for the recording, and young people have enjoyed it ever since. Highlights include I Wanna Be a Little Frog in a Little Pond, The Same Old Me and Don’t P-P-P-Point Them Guns at Me!
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Buena Vista / Disneyland, 1968)
First issued on a 7″ 45 in 1964 on the Buena Vista label with four tracks, the attraction’s soundtrack later appeared on the 12″ LP containing a full-sized book with eleven pages, illustrated by Neil Boyle; first on Buena Vista, then on the Disneyland label. Actor Royal Dano provided Lincoln’s voice with narration by Paul Frees, written by producer James Algar.
The Life Story of George Washington / The Life Story of Abe Lincoln (Mercury, 1964)
The Mercury Storyteller added this album to its catalogue series of two classic stories on one LP. The repertoire group dramatically acted out the stories, which were backed by a 40-piece orchestra. The colourful cover only added to the fun behind the storied recordings.
The Presidents’ Marches (Golden, 1965)
This album features the marches of several Presidents, headlined by President Lyndon Baines Johnson March, played by the Southwest Texas State College Band (with instrumental and vocal tracks). President Lincoln’s Grand March is what we know today as Hail to the Chief. The back cover contains a pictorial history of the Presidents and the years of their terms in office. Golden included a unique wheel of each President’s history, though Wonderland printed the wheel on the back cover to cut out when they redesigned the album in 1975.
Tall Tom Jefferson (Golden, 1971/72)
Produced in 1971 and released the following year, Golden Records recounted the life of the third President as a musical story written by Ruth Roberts (Meet the Mets), with Peter Moore conducting the chorus and orchestra. Richard Kiley once again provides his voice as the narrator. Highlights include the title song, Great Big Beautiful World, A Cabinet Debate, and Mister Jefferson’s Whirligig.
The Hall of Presidents (Disneyland, 1972)
This Storyteller production includes the original soundtrack of the Walt Disney World attraction and photos in the 11-page book from the Constitutional Convention to the titled Hall of Presidents, where one could see the (then) 36 individuals together in one room. James Algar wrote the script, with Buddy Baker arranging the music. Royal Dano can be heard again as Abraham Lincoln and Lawrence Dobkin narrates.
There you have it – eight albums covering the Presidents of the United States from 1789 to 1969. These are just a few gems in my ever-growing collection. While writing this article, the melodies and dialogues echo in my memory throughout this nostalgic journey. If you’ll excuse me, it’s time to go back and play these historical stories and songs again.
