Hap Palmer

Biography

Hap Palmer has been one of the few artists to consistently address the educational needs of preschoolers and infants with simple songs written just for them. Preschool teachers and parents have responded in kind, making Palmer's songs some of the best-known and most loved songs in day care centers and preschools across the United States. There probably isn't a preschooler around who doesn't know how to dance to the "Song About Sammie" or the "Color Song" ("Red stand up, green stand up, yellow and blue sit down").

Palmer began his musical career in 1969, with the release of his classic album Learning Basic Skills Through Music, Volume 1. Fronted by a plain black and white cover, the album was marketed primarily through educational equipment catalogs. But teachers and day care providers snapped it up. Palmer continued this quiet revolution for children's music throughout the '70s and '80s. He has also conducted concerts and workshops for parents and teachers throughout the United States.

Palmer has composed more than 300 songs, and has sold millions of tapes of his music. His "Baby Songs" series was also made into a highly successful video series. Palmer's recordings and videos have received numerous awards, including the Parent's Choice award, the National Parenting Publications Award, and the American Library Associations Notable Recording designation as "Best of the Best for Children." ~ P.J. Swift, All Music Guide