Sally Rogers

Sally Rogers is one of several artists who have created as much success for themselves in the children’s genre as they have in the folk genre. A multiple award winner, Rogers’ crystal-clear alto and skillful songwriting have endeared her to children and their parents for two decades. Born and raised in Michigan, Rogers first started singing and playing guitar in the third grade. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she went on to make a name for herself in the folk world, often recording with her husband, Howie Bursen. Rogers’ first album for children, Peace by Peace, was issued in 1988 by Golden Records. The album featured many folk-oriented songs around a theme of peace. The following year, she switched to her friend Bill Harley’s label, Round River Records. She released Piggyback Planet, an album about ecology. The album featured several songs by Malvina Reynolds, including “Hello Ladybug” and “What Have They Done to the Rain.” There were also new songs by Rogers, including “Over in the Endangered Meadow” and “What Did the Dinosaur Say?” Piggyback Planet won a Parent’s Choice Gold Award, and established Rogers firmly in the children’s genre. Rogers’ third album for children, What Can One Little Person Do?, was issued in 1992. The album won multiple awards, including a Parent’s Choice Gold Award and Best Children’s Album of the Year from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors. What Can One Little Person Do? featured several socially conscious songs such as “Where Do the Animals Put All Their Trash,” “P Is for Peace,” and the title cut. Rogers quickly followed that success with At Quiet O’Clock, an album of lullabies. The 1993 release, dedicated to her two young children, again won the top award from NAIRD. The album featured many unusual lullabies, including “Kitty Alone” and “Ride Ride Ranke,” sung in Rogers’ direct and compelling style. Rogers has criss-crossed the United States with concerts, often performing a children’s concert and an adult concert on the same day. She has also lent her support to many efforts, including the Children’s Music Network, and several compilations for children, including I'm Gonna Let It Shine, A Child's Holiday, and Rainbow Sign. ~ P.J. Swift