This is one of the best teaching web sites I've ever seen!!! Wish I had looked for it years ago...such a great help in planning!!! Now I'm ready for next year without taking all the old records and CDs home....
Thank you for music children love, and teachers too!!!
Nancy Burton
As a second grade teacher, I just want to say that I LOVE your album Count, Add, Subtract and the activities. I’ve never seen such great songs and activities for math all in one place like this before. You are incredibly talented and gifted. You know what kids like and you know how to creatively put these somewhat difficult concepts into words (songs) and great activities. Kudos to you, Hap Palmer!
Thank you!
Lisa Radulovich
Dear Hap,
On behalf of our family and thousands of Thai students over the years that have learned and benefited from your music, I would like to extend a wholehearted thank you sir.
You are truly a genius. The lyrics, content, and overall fun factor of your songs are impeccable. They are perfectly appropriate for children and make the world a better place.
We are forever filled with gratitude. You really are the best at what you do. My hope is
that this message brightens your day as your music has brightened so many of ours.
We love you.
Mr. Michael McClelland
Kindergarten Teacher
Bangkok, Thailand
Mr. Palmer,
As I sit here at my computer, buying The Original Baby Songs on VHS for probably the 10th time, I felt it was finally time to thank you for bringing so much joy to my daughter's life. Brittany is 31 years old and has severe autism. She has very few things that really make her happy. One of the things that she can always find comfort in is the predictability of her Baby Songs tapes. She also enjoys Barney and Lambchop, but it seems like she always comes back to your music. Even if she has a different DVD playing in her portable DVD player, she makes sure that Baby Songs is playing in the background on the VCR. We've tried to get her switched over to DVD versions of your shows (because they don't wear out as quickly), but she insists on watching the videotape version so that she can rewind to certain parts again and again.......and again. :)
I just wanted to let you know that there is something magical about your music and that you make one person's day just a little happier every single day of her life. Thank you, from a huge fan and her family.
David Happ
(father of Brittany)
Hello!
I wanted to reach out with no expectation of a response or acknowledgement, so please don't feel obligated to provide one. I just wanted to let you know how much you've meant to me as both a child and (now 34-year-old) parent.
I grew up overseas and moved around the world every 2-4 years of my childhood. As a result, I grew up feeling deeply unmoored and almost obsessively sentimental about holding onto the past whenever and however I could. That said, one constant throughout my childhood was your music- my parents purchased Baby Songs on VHS around 1988 or 1989 and played them regularly for many years. Even after my two younger sisters and I ostensibly aged out of watching the videos, my dad (an Irish troubadour by blood and in spirit) continued to sing his favorite Hap Palmer songs well into our adulthoods, sometimes personalizing them with lyrics about our family's own stories and idiosyncrasies.
When my best friend became pregnant several years ago, I discovered that most of the Baby Songs I remembered were available for free on YouTube. Upon watching them, I was overcome by a poignant, golden nostalgia that instantly transported me back to the safety and wonder of childhood. When she sent her daughter to daycare for the first time, I made her listen to My Mommy Comes Back to calm her nerves.
When I became pregnant in 2020, at the height of a terrifying and deeply lonely pandemic, one of the first things I did was order every Baby Songs DVD I could find. I knew that no matter what sort of world my son was born into, I wanted him to have the same beautiful memories and timeless music that gave me comfort as a child. I started playing them for him as he approached toddlerhood, and they instantly became a favorite in our household.
This past weekend, my son underwent major surgery and was hospitalized for the first time. This may sound like an exaggeration, but I literally held up a portable DVD player showing Baby Songs to calm and distract him as he went under the anaesthesia (Rolling, to be exact). Throughout our hospital stay, he asked for Baby Songs again and again- whenever he felt scared or overwhelmed or in pain- and of course I obliged him.
I am the only daughter who inherited my father's incredible memory for music (I am, after all, an Irish troubadour by blood and in spirit), and my son is showing signs that he may be the next in that lineage. At the moment we are preparing to move overseas and resume the sort of transient life that I grew up with, and I don't know if I can fully express how much it means to me that we will bring your music with us wherever we go.
I've probably already rambled for far too long, so I'll wrap up with a simple thank you. I hope you know that your gentle, loving, brilliant music continues to brighten the world for a new generation.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you, Hap
Hi Mr. Palmer,
I spent years of my childhood listening to Turn on the Music. I remember rewinding the VHS and rewatching as many times as my mom would let me. Now my 5 year old and 3 year old sons watch it on YouTube and ask for it often. Your music is a timeless gift. "You Can Do It" still helps me now as an adult. My dad, my sons, and I love to sing "Backwards Land" together. I am so grateful for your work and the joy it has brought to generations of my family.
Sincerely,
Kiersten Thibodeaux
Hey Hap, my name’s Tyler. Honestly, up until about 5 hours ago I only knew you as a mysterious voice from a VHS tape I had as a child called “Turn on the Music". This was sometime between 1992 or 1993, when I was about 3 or 4 years old. I remember watching that tape over and over, it was really a big part of my musical foundation. Over time, of course, my memories of that tape and your songs began to obscure until I had all but completely forgotten about it. Over the years I would remember bits and pieces of your songs and video from that VHS, but it would always seem like such a fleeting ephemeral moment of comfort and nostalgia, it seemed almost as if I could have dreamed it all up. Until today, for some reason or another, I caught myself humming a song and then I said out loud “backwards land is the play-E-s to be” and then I laughed so hard, hahah. I was thinking “Where did THAT come from!?”, and I stopped for a moment and I realized “oh my God…I remember this.” I immediately looked up what lyrics I could remember on Google, and sure enough I found the exact series of videos I watched as a child.
https://youtu.be/nNMP2XEtN_c
Man, after watching this video I nearly burst into tears. There were so many dormant memories, untapped for nearly 30 years, vividly reawakened for me. I could sing the songs word for word as if I had been listening to them all this time. I was honestly some-what astounded, and I realized how big a part your songs played in the foundation of my life. I realized that I’ve been subconsciously singing and referencing your songs in one way or another throughout the majority of my life. So when I discovered the person who was actually responsible for the music of these once ambiguous dream-like memories, I just really wanted to extend my gratitude to you and let you know how big an impact your music played in my life. I vividly remembered some of the earliest days of my life, and felt what I was feeling then, and I felt closer and more aware of the spirit of the source of “me” than I’ve felt in a really long time.
What an unbelievable gift it is that your music could do that for me. From the bottom of my heart I deeply thank you.
I hope you’re doing well,
Sincerely,
Tyler
Hi Hap,
I found your email on your website and wanted to reach out to you and thank you for all of the amazing memories that your music has given to me. I am now 25 years old, married, and just graduated from college and started mz
Today while I was at work, I had a random memory from my childhood pop into my head. I was 3 years old, sitting on the couch in my living room in Brownsville, TX watching a VHS tape called "Baby Songs" while it was raining outside. I was specifically listening to the song "Mommy Comes Back." This memory has such powerful emotions tied to it as I remember how I always felt when my mom would come back and pick me up from daycare or from my friend's house. I pulled up the song on Youtube and had tears come to my eyes as I thought about how much I love my mom and how special she is to me.
I also remember many of your other songs that have such a special place in my heart. I am sure that there are tens of thousands of kids my age that still remember the wonderful music you've made. Anyway, I hope you are healthy and well amidst this pandemic. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your music and the memories I have from it. Such bright happy memories of the easy days as a kid. I'll be sure to have my kids listen to them as well.
Thanks Hap,
James Schulte
Dear Hap,
I just wanted to reach out to you and tell you how much we love your music and how it has blessed our son's life. Our oldest son, Grant Sherwood, is now 22 years old and was born with a severe form of cerebral palsy and this is a lifelong permanent disability. He has many daily challenges, but there are so many of your songs that make him laugh and smile, and it brightens his (and our) day. Some songs make him laugh so hard that he cries, in a good way. Anyway, I hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and blessed. We are blessed every day by your music. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Stephen Sherwood
Austin, Texas
Stephen M. Sherwood, DDS
Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry
Dear Sir,
As a kid that grew up in a world of duck-and-cover drills, cleaning chalkboard erasers, and the scourge of dodgeball, I thank you for the temporary reprieve that your music brought to our classrooms. You literally brought color into our lives.
I can remember in the first grade receiving a particularly garish shirt as a gift from a well-meaning aunt that had different colored sleeves, front panel, back panel, collar and trim. It was mortifying to wear. Then one day Mrs. Sullivan set-up a portable record player and announced we would be participating in a musical activity. Shortly the room was flooded with warmth and joy as we were awash with the song "Colors", your song Sir.
"This is a song about colors (Colors), you see them all around…"
It was around this time that I discover three things:
Your music is a blessing to kids everywhere,
I am color-blind,
My aunt's gifted shirt of many colors meant that I could stand up and sit down more than any other kid in Room B2 during the 2:14 playtime that your song afforded.
I am now 58 years old. As I was listening to my daughter-in-law discuss her day teaching a class of First Graders and their dancing to Star Wars day songs, I was transported back five decades to your masterpiece that has remained with me lo' this rocky lifetime. Thanks to the miracle of YouTube, I was able to share with her, and she with her future classes of daydreaming students, the magic of your talent and the joy it continues to inspire.
Thank you so very much,
David Brewer
Hi, Mr. Palmer,
I wanted to reach out to you to let you know how much Baby Songs meant to my 3 daughters growing up. They are 21, 17 and 14 now, but they still remember some of them. The 14-year-old was talking about My Mommy Comes Back a few days ago. They all love music and I can't help but think that it had something to do with listening to your great music over the years. Anyway, take care and best wishes from North Carolina.
Karen Moskowitz
Dear Mr. Palmer,
My name is Elizabeth. I am 36 years old and grew up with the Baby Songs videotape. I just wanted to thank you for all the music on that video that defined a great portion of my childhood. You see, I was adopted and the song, “My Mommy Comes Back” was pivotal for me. I didn’t realize it then, but I had a deep fear of abandonment due to my adoption as an infant, which I still have to this day. That song and the images I saw in the video brought me such a sense of safety and security throughout my childhood. I knew that I had an adopted mom who would never leave me or forget me. I still cry when I say the words of that song to myself sometimes, because of the deep place it touches in my soul. I just wanted to say “Thank you”.
God bless you!!
Elizabeth Otte
Greetings Mr. Hap Palmer!
I would like to start off by wishing you a very very happy 80th Birthday! I wrote to you in 2016 requesting some music and I was astonished when I received an email back from you personally. I am not requesting music at this time, rather I wish to express my gratitude!.
I am 35 years old and I grew up in a small, isolated desert town in the High Desert of Southern California named Ridgecrest. When I was 4 (maybe younger) my mother somehow acquired the VHS of "Turn on the Music." All the songs from that album became the very first songs I ever learned and emoted to. I would like to thank you for that particular album. It has helped shape me into who I am as a person today in more ways than one and has opened me up to using music as a form of expression.
I am a piano teacher now and looking back, I can say that I learned about musical form by singing "Chomping Gum" "Hurry Up Blues" and "When Things Don't Go Your Way" without even realizing it at the time. I am also gay and growing up in a small concertive town was very hard for me. I often felt out of place and alone but "Francie Had a Football" always gave me the courage to be myself and pursue my interests with full confidence. There were many times I sang this song to myself when I was teased or bullied for my interests. "You Can Do It" was another song that helped me to gain confidence. I saw the kids in the video and imagined them as my friends. I saw them skating, running, and accomplishing their goals which gave me strength to also go out and try new things without being afraid to fail. I used to listen to this song before I had to perform in a piano recital.
Since I lived out in the middle of the desert, I rarely got the chance to see different parts of the world. I didn't travel outside my hometown until I was a teenager. One of the more important songs to me is "If I Had Wings." That song gave me eyes to see parts of the world that I could have only dreamed of. If you recall from the video, the images during that song soar over all types of cities and landscapes. This was my only window to the outside world when I was a kid and I treasure this particular song so much! I had never seen green hills, tall buildings, water, snow, or tall trees in person at that time and this song made me feel a special kind of magic. I would sit close to the TV and pretend like I was soaring over all these wonderful places! I still get emotional watching/listening to it. I love that song so much!
"Backwards Land," "Amanda Schlupp," and "Teddy Bear Ball" Gave me the chance to imagine the scene through the lyrics. "Amanda Schlupp" is wonderfully written. I love the minor chords during her dream sequence. The music complements the visuals so well! "Teddy Bear Ball" makes me think of my mom. She loved that song. I can remember singing the two parts at the end with her. Such special and priceless memories for me. I teach "Backwards Land" to some of my students and let me tell you how much I enjoy watching them attempt to sing the last line, "Be to place the is Land Backwards." It's such a tongue-twister for them! We have fun with that song!
I had a rough relationship with my dad when I was growing up. I never felt a close connection with him because he was always hard on me and had very little patience. The only time we really talked was when he was disciplining me. Listening to "When Daddy Was A Little Boy" always made me feel connected to him. This song helped me realize that we were more similar than I thought which somehow gave me the kind of comfort I needed from him. I was able to view him as a real person with the same feelings as me. Especially with the last verse about him running to his mothers arms. I pictured my dad as a little boy and the joys/fears he had. This song always made me cry, and still does. I can remember that feeling so well. Our relationship got much stronger as I grew up and I thank this song for keeping me emotionally connected to him as a child.
Mr Palmer, your music has had a major impact on my life. I STILL listen to this album and still enjoy it just as much as I did when I was a child. I was ecstatic when I found it on YouTube! In many ways, I still feel like that little kid sitting directly in front of the television, watching Turn On The Music and getting lost in my imagination. Thank you again for all you have done over the years. I hope you know that your music has helped change my life for the better and in turn, I pass all that positivity, love, joy, and passion for music to my students. I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for taking the time to read this.
From a long-time fan with much respect and appreciation,
Sincerely,
John Rodriguez
Dear Hap,
I wanted to write and thank you for, honestly, a lifetime of wonderful memories with "Baby Songs." I was born in 1987 and grew up watching and loving "Baby Songs." My daughter is nearly 2, and I recently introduced her to the original video (which we own on DVD), and she is as obsessed as I was. She even acts out her favorite scenes -- pulling the blanket to reveal her toes during "Piggy Toes," putting on her pink shoes during "Baby's Good Doggy," and dragging a blanket around during "Security." It is so special to be able to share something that was -- and still is -- an important part of my childhood and to see her take so much joy in the music. Hearing her sing "yes yes yes!" along with "So Big" makes me incredibly happy and proud.
Thank you for the terrific music that stands the test of time. My family wouldn't be the same without it.
Your multigenerational fans,
Rachel and Talia
Hi Hap,
This is a fan letter. I used all your albums with my teaching the very young.... Now I am retired & my baby granddaughter & I still love your work! Your voice is smooth & soothing. My daughter said your voice is hypnotic! You are fabulously talented, creative, & innovative & u have blessed so many! Thank you for your musical games. My students had so much fun & learned so much from you! They never were bored & always asked for more. The delight on their faces will never be forgotten. Your work enriched so many.
Thank you, thank you & God bless you & yours,
Valerie Johnson
Mr. Palmer-
I would like to thank you for the decades of learning, entertainment, joy and happiness you have provided for me and my family.
Starting in 1976, one of my earliest memories was the arrival of a new album titled "Getting To Know Myself" in my kindergarten room. At the prompting of her students, my teacher played songs from it almost every day. "Sammy" and the other songs from that album have stuck with me ever since. In fact, I still proudly own a vinyl copy of it from my youth!
About 19 years ago, when my first daughter was born, I found a VHS tape at a yard sale titled "Baby Songs." I was not aware that it was one of your videos but when we played it for her, I immediately recognized your familiar and comforting voice with the first verse of the "Baby Songs" theme! My daughter's love for the "Baby Songs" video…and its ability to calm and engage her in just about any situation…prompted me to seek out more of them.
With the birth of 3 more children, I purchased copies of your "Baby Songs" series on DVD. All of my other children have shared the same love for them that my first daughter did. In fact, my youngest is 5 years old and she STILL enjoys watching them! I look forward to sharing them with my future grandchildren as well.
I just thought you might appreciate knowing this and the fact that your legacy of educational and imaginative music will live on for many years to come in my family!
Sincerely,
David Haight
Whitewater, WI
Dear Hap,
Your work is stellar and so appropriate. We saw the humor in it and loved it!
Moreover, you were very influential in our parenting style and your music, humor, wit, and creativity have influenced our daughter as well. We adopted our daughter as an infant from China. She not only was medically fragile, she was fragile in spirit as well. The ratio of workers to babies in her orphanage was 1:45. As a result, our daughter suffered from failure to thrive because there were simply not enough workers to go around. As a result, she became extremely anxious to normal American stimuli. And as a result of not being held as an infant, she could not lay her head on our shoulder while we held or rocked her. She was as stiff as a board.
For 3.5 years I kept rocking her to "Baby Songs Goodnight" and "Baby Animals", and singing your songs plus "Mommy Comes Back". One glorious day, she laid her head on my shoulder. You were directly responsible for her recovery. She is now a well-adjusted 17-year old who, herself, is very creative, a prolific writer, and budding chemist. She is also, like you, extremely compassionate and intuitive.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my heart for having the courage to be a singular, purposeful artist who intuitively knows that gentle words, stories, and music are exactly what babies and children need.
Very respectfully,
Nancy Clark
My son Ryan is 32 yrs old. Almost 3 months ago he and his wife had their first child. My son grew up on your videos starting with BABY SONGS. TURN ON THE MUSIC was his favorite.
Anyway I really didn't have a clue what these videos meant to him, nor did he, I believe. That is until his son was born. My grandson’s name is Maclin. At 6 weeks old my son Ryan borrowed the VCR and videos and has been playing them and singing along to Maclin. Maclin doesn't stay attentive for too long yet, but when his Dad pops them in and sings along Mac wiggles all over. He loves when his Dad sings along to them.
I just wanted to Thank you for the video's that have implemented goodness, manners and simplicity in my son and now following is the next generation in my family. I am not the most literate when it comes to sending pictures or I would include the most precious picture of my grandson laying next to his Dad on the bed, Maclin's head tilted in towards his Dads, smiling as his Dad sings one of your songs.
Sometimes it's nice to know what your talent/gift of music has done for others, even 32 yrs. later. I believe in letting people know. So again, THANK YOU.
Sincerely,
Dawn Notarpole
Hello,
I just wanted to write you a little note and let you know that not only did I love your songs as a kid, but I continue to enjoy them to this day. I watched Baby Songs and Turn on the Music all the time when I was a child. I'm 26 now and have been going through some difficult times the past couple of years, but on days when I'm feeling stressed, down, or overwhelmed I like to take some time to myself and listen to the songs from those videos. The melodies take me back to a simpler, happier time in my life and your voice is so soothing! I look forward to sharing your songs with any future children I may have.
Thank you for brightening my days,
Amy Wohlitz
I just wanted to write and say how pleased we are with our recent purchase of the download of Multiplication Mountain. My son LOVES singing and recalling the songs. He has so much more confidence with his math now. As a homeschooler I am always looking for great products and will recommend this to my friends. The songs are catchy and not too weird or babyish.
Thanks again.
God Bless,
Allison Barraco
Mr. Palmer,
I just wanted to take a moment of your time to say how much I appreciate you and your work. I have been working with young children for many years; I first learned of your music in the late 70's. Tonight as I was working on lesson plans for the coming month and researching music to go along with it, I got to wondering why I have never written to you and thanked you for all your work and your investment in the lives of so many through your music. I hope that you realize just how much you do mean to the children, their teachers and parents.
May many blessings come your way this year, Happy New Year!
Sandy O'Daniel
Good morning Hap Palmer!
I just wanted to tell you thank you for the music you produce! My son has special needs, more specifically suffers from a rare neurological disorder, Angelman Syndrome. They play your "Getting to Know Me" album at school, and his teacher sent it home. Joshua has many sensory issues and usually does not like to listen to music, but loves your CD, especially the song "Feelings." It has really helped him and needless to say I know have memorized every song, we listen to it all the time! It has been very calming for him, and it is the first time I have ever seen him sit down and concentrate on something for so long! That is truly a miracle in itself, your music speaks to him. Thank you so much and God Bless! ;-)
Donna and Joshua, Missouri
Dear Mr. Palmer,
My name is Janice Sutherland. In 1977 I was put in charge of a small group of pre-schoolers with nothing but a record player and a Hap Palmer album. It was a lifesaver. Almost 40 years later I still have that album plus others. I realized that I've been listening to your beautiful voice and singing along for a very long time. You've brought joy and music to so many children.
This is my last year of teaching and I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done. You have been wonderful part of my life.
Sincerely,
Janice Sutherland
T-K teacher
Placerville, California
Hi Mr. Palmer,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your wonderful songs and all the Baby Songs videos! I watched them when I was a small child and now my own children love them just as much! They truly are wonderful songs and, as a parent, I am so impressed with how well you understand children. You write so convincingly from their point of view and mindset!
(As an aside, you should have seen my own mother's face when she realized that I remembered all the words to "Finger Foods" from 20+ years ago... hilarious.)
Again, thank you so much for all you do!
Siobhan McKearney
Dear Mr. Hap Palmer,
I am truly delighted to see that I can email you directly, to say I'm a fan is an understatement! I hope I can adequately express my utmost admiration and how thankful I am for all of your love and dedication to children and their development.
When I was young my mother got the baby songs vhs tapes for me and over the years we wore them out! My favorite song was "Watch a witchy whiz" which I'm sad to say I can't find anywhere! When I was 18 my parents adopted a beautiful baby girl and we went on the search for baby songs on dvd! She loved them! Now ten years later my daughter enjoys them & for Christmas is receiving "baby's busy day" the only one we didn't own already.
Your songs are fun, entertaining, and perfect for teaching! I plan to homeschool my children and incorporate your work into our routine. I was singing some of the songs just from memory while pregnant!
Thank you so very, very much. You are a household name here in Iowa! The comfort from your songs are dear to my heart. I see my child instantly calm down when she hears your voice and words and I too find relief in the positivity of them. "My baby" and "My mommy comes back" are sung almost daily!
I hope you are well and merry and have a very happy holiday season!! Thank you again and may you receive all the good vibrations we send your way!!
Sincerely,
Chantel Conner
Dear Hap,
We recently checked out "Can Cockatoos Count by Twos" from one of the many branches of our public library. Although I have five children, my youngest is just 9, and was born with Down syndrome, and we have been working hard on words and numbers this summer. He is just a wonderful kid and has many strengths. He needs lots of extra work on the basics, and I have found your cd to be a lovely thing to play while we drive around this summer.
Thank you for creating such wonderful music. So many of the cds we check out from the library are rejected by my son, and it has been neat to see how enthusiastic he is about the songs on Cockatoos.
I hope you are having a great summer. We are.
Thank you.
Susan Taylor
Dear Hap,
Just today I was walking in the farmers market in Berkeley and for some reason you song 'The Elephant moves very slowly' popped into my head. A song I have not heard since I was in Kindergarten. I am now 39 years old and could still remember most of the lyrics but not all of them. So I searched the internet and bam there it was. Upon hearing it, my skin raised with joy and it made me want to run around the room swaying my arms wildly in front of me. It is amazing how such simple moments from childhood can be carried so far in time. Thanks for that.
Brian Meehan
I do want to tell you Thanks!
I'm a 42 year old dad from Eastern Washington state. Many years ago, I took my
daughter Amanda to the local library, where we checked out "We're On Our Way"
(on cassette). This was nearly 15 years ago. We listened to that cassette over and
over in the early '90's, and all those priceless songs have stuck with us over
the years.
Today, Amanda is nineteen years old and preparing to give birth to her first chlld,
my first grandchild. I remembered your name in the archives of my mind over all
the years. Now that I'm going to be a "Pappy", I want my grandchild to enjoy the
precious, beautiful music you shared with Amanda and myself. It almost brings
tears to my eyes to recall the wonderful times I experienced learning from my
daughter, as we played, traveled, and laughed together, while listening to your
music. I did a simple "google" search on the internet and was pleasantly surprised
to see the vast music offerings you provide, via amazon.com. I ordered "We're On
Our Way" CD, which will be wrapped as a Christmas present under the tree
this year.
Thanks for the memories Hap!! You've created a legacy. The world needs more
great people like you!
Thanks again.
Lenny Chase
Dear Mr. Palmer,
My daughter, Loris, is now 3 years old. She was born with a cataract in her left
eye and I was very worried about her eyesight. She showed absolutely no interest
in any television, which normally parents would be happy about, but I was
worried that she couldn't see. When I found your DVD at the Libary with Baby
Songs - Baby's Busy Day, she watched it and wanted to watch it all the time.
I finally gained confidence that she could see even with her vision disability. You
have no idea what your songs do for her. She loves all of them. Since then, we
have purchased several of the Baby Songs DVD's and we enjoy them. We watch
them all the time and I don't even grow old of them. I always notice something
new and love your music most of all.
We went to our ophthalmologist about 4 weeks ago, and Loris is supposed to be
20/400 in her eye which had the cataract. But because I patch her stronger eye,
and because she is using her eye more (especially to watch your dvd's and listen
to your music), she was determined to have 20/30 vision in her "special" eye.
Thank you for everything you have done.
If you ever come to Northern Virginia to do a concert, we would love to see you.
If you need someone to sponsor you or a location for such a concert, I would be
able to assist you. My daughter, Loris, would love to see you and listen to your
music live.
Thank you for all the wonderful things you do. I truly believe your music and
DVD's helped Loris with her vision. You have definitely affected our lives VERY
positively.
Best regards & love from:
Stella & my daughter Loris
Dear Hap,
I remembered your song Witches Brew from when I was in Elementary school
and decided to look for it to use with my second grade students. I found and
downloaded (thanks to Songs for Teaching!) the entire album. Today we used your
song and not only had a blast singing but made up our own lyrics too!Here are the
three verses we came up with incase you ever want to expand your song!
Pumpkin guts, cigarette butts, caterpillars too...
Cat's head, pencil lead, squirrels blood too...
bat's wings, guitar strings, cow brain too...
steering wheel, banana peel, toads legs too...
It's truly amazing how creative 7 and 8 year olds can be when they are enjoying
their learning experience. Thanks for writing such wonderful music!
Cara Liberty
I'm a children's librarian in Aurora, Illinois, and have used so much of your music
in my storytimes through the years. But the song I have to thank you the most for is
your version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with the middle part you added, using
the quotation from Shakespeare, "Silver bow new bent in heaven." It grabbed me
when I first heard it, in part because my daughter teaches Shakespeare to college students.
I end all of my storytimes with two songs, yours and Sharon, Lois and Bram's
version of Skinnamarink. When storytime is drawing to a close, I turn out the lights
(we have ropes of white Christmas lights still on), I turn on my twinkle star (a wand that flashes on and off) and everyone puts their hands up, making the stars twinkle.
I have everyone do this -- kids, moms, dads, grandparents, anyone who is in
storytime. I have done this for years so we have many kids in Aurora, from babies
on up, who know what it means when I put my hands up.
But the most important part of all of this is what that song has meant to people.
So many people tell me that they sing it each night. One father, a large and comic gentleman (he was probably the class clown when he was in high school), came
to me and said, "I cannot thank you enough for teaching us that song." His son had major surgery in St. Louis and was in the hospital for weeks. They sang that song
every night.
Then, a little over a year ago, I did the usual "Twinkle" ending at my storytime for
two year olds. Nate and his mom, a former librarian where I work, were there and
Nate stopped running around as soon as I turned the lights out and put his fists up
in the air so he could "twinkle." That evening, Nate drowned in a pond near his apartment. His mom asked me to sing "Twinkle" at his funeral. So I took my star
wand, stood up in front of all those people, and we sang your version of "Twinkle,
Twinkle, Little Star." That was one of the hardest, yet most beautiful, things I have
ever done. Nate has a new little brother now, Noah, who is 4 months old so I am teaching it to him at the baby storytime.
Thank you for the wonderful gift you have given me, and so many people,
with your music.
Barbara Wilkins
Eola Branch Children's Reference
Dear Mr. Palmer,
As the parent of a six year old autistic boy, I had to share with you how much your
music videos have inspired, moved and taught my child. His name is Max, and he
is undoubtedly one of the sweetest and smartest little boys on the face of this earth.
Max has been watching your videos for years, starting with "Baby Songs" and
moving on up. Through the enjoyment of your music he has learned letters,
numbers, colors, shapes, animals, action words, imitation games, days of the week
and lots more. He is even learning how to read with his current favorite, "Stepping
Out." But most importantly, your uniquely personal approach has allowed him to
feel the staggering, inexpressible joy of song and all the love that is the essence of
your videos.
There are no words to describe the look on Max's face as he tries to sing along
with you and the children. He loves it, becomes part of the group, as if you were
all in our home. You have helped give him a voice, a sense of self, and more
happiness and smiles than I can tell you.
On behalf of all of the Moms and Dads whose world you are a part of, I am
eternally grateful.
Sincerely,
Suda Handelman
I have loved Hap Palmer for so many years. He is one of THE BEST singers &
songwriters for children (& grown-ups!) who ever existed. I love him to pieces!
My daycare kids love them, too, of course. They are so fun to sing & dance to, &
listen to again & again.
Sometimes I hear children's music that is so bad, it just makes me cringe. Then I
listen to "Teddy Took A Train Ride" or "Zany Zoo", (songs I've heard a hundred
billion times), & I am still amazed at how clever, brilliant, & catchy they are!
How do you come up with them all? How long does it take to write & record a
song like "Growing" or "The Mice Go Marching" (2 more of my favorites)?
How many people are involved in the whole process from start to finish? I am
simply in awe of you, & have been, for approximately 15 years. I'll be 40-years-
old in a few months, but your music makes me feel like I'm four!
Meredith Troy
Have you ever thought about a song that you heard in kindergarten? Remembered
a few bars of the music? A line or two of the lyrics, but the rest elude you? I had
that happen with the song Colors, by Hap Palmer. In 1976 my kindergarten teacher
played that song for the class. Almost 30 years later, my wife and I are raising our
own son. We've got the standard compliment of songs to sing, but sometimes
during the car ride home I would run out of songs to sing for my son. I remembered,
"Colors, Colors, you see them all around. There is red on the stop sign, green on
the trees, blue in the sky and sea." Then I would repeat that fifty times or so because
that's all that I could remember. After all, it has been almost 30 years since I last
heard the song, but it has long been a favorite of mine. Talk about a haunting tune!!
Today, on a whim, I Googled those lyrics. Much to my surprise and pleasure, the
first hit took me right to Hap Palmer's official web site. Now I had no recollection
that Hap Palmer was the guy who wrote and sang this stuff - I mean hey, I was
only 5 years old - but listening to the sample mp3 brought me back to a warm
kindergarten room with a wall of windows, the scent of colored clay, small chairs,
and a wash of other memories. For a moment I was transported back to those
wonderful days of childhood bliss. Once there, I could remember an unbelievable
amount of details - not just school; but home, my friends and family at the time,
and all sorts of special times I enjoyed in my youth.
I plan to share the joy of this music with my son. He'll get his own memories of
singing with mom and dad, and whatever other sensory imprints of the time and
place he might develop. I hope that his memories of this song and the times that
we have with him singing and playing are forever engrained in his memory as
wonderful moments in his fantastic life.
My brief jaunt down memory lane has left me longing to give my son everything
wonderful that youth has to offer. Thanks for making this music (and these
memories) available. Who knows? Perhaps in another 30 or 35 years my son will
be searching for a copy of that mysterious song of his youth. Sure, the format will
be some media we've never heard of, but I'm that the song will endure. Or he can
just have my CD and play it with a silly grin as he thinks about the archaic CD
format and wonder how the heck dad ever made do with such basic media, all the
while singing Colors.
Jason M.
A Hap Palmer fan since 1976
Dear Mr. Palmer:
I received your cd last week! i was so happy I listened and I use it right away in
my classes. Japanese children enjoy a lot and so do I. I really admire your music,
I am a musician as well too and I notice you use high quality tech, and lots of live
instruments! I will order more of your music soon for sure!
Thank you and nice working with you.
Sincerely,
Maria Kawasaki
Your music is such a part of my family and my classroom. I have a 3 year old and
a 19 month old who walk around with a teddy bear on their heads to ask for
"Teddy Bear Playtime." My First Grade Students love all of the learning songs and
it is the perfect way to start math or reading to relax them and show them that
learning is full of fun.
Carol Veravanich
OC Register Columnist and First Grade Teacher www.goasktheteacher.org
Hi Hap,
I'm Dan. I listened to your music a lot when I was growing up and when my brother and sister were young too. My family had Turn On The Music on VHS. My sister is two years younger than me and my brother is four years younger than me. My brother, David, is non verbal autistic.
I didn't like the beginning because of the balloons that floated away from the kids in the opening. I thought it was so sad that those balloons were going away forever from some kids that really loved them. Funny how little kids think huh?
I hope you know that your music really made me feel good as a little kid. When David was diagnosed; my parents told us that we were going to grow up faster than our friends. I knew something was different between my family and other families, but I eventually figured it out.
Grown ups like you, Mr. Rogers and my Grandpa Fred were the grown ups in my life that told me it was ok to be a little kid. It was alright to feel upset when things didn't go your way. To wonder what it was like to fly, what our Dad's were like when they were little and more. It may sound funny now, but I remember the thought of going down the drain with the bath water being a big concern for me when I was little.
More kids need grown ups like you Hap. I hope one day I get to have a son like the little boy in your song "When Daddy Was a Little Boy". I want him to have parents, grandparents and a family that loves him just for being him. I want him to have lots of friends to grow up with and play with. I want him to know that it's ok to feel sad, mad or worried and that someone will be there to lend a hug and some kind words. Most of all; I want him to be happy in the way I wasn't as a little boy.
I should let you go Hap. Thank you for everything you've done for me. One day I hope I can share you with my children.
Dan Czuchra
Greetings,
I am Kim Hughes-Baus, I am an early childhood educator who wishes to send you a big "thank you" for your music that makes learning fun! I was first introduced to your Learning Basic Skills Through Music series when I was a Head Start teacher in the 1980's. I have been using the musical lessons ever since!
I feel that the music experience, which your style promotes, is especially important now because it involves the children - INVOLVES children - in movement and hands on activities. Over the years I have watched children develop an addiction to computers and now other electronic devices. Some of the skills involved may be fine to a certain extent, however, too many children become limited in their play and learning experience because they are constantly "reliving" the games from the screen in their head and actions. A form of imagination, yes, yet different. This type of behavior often distracts them from what is happening at the moment - getting in the way of paying attention to the basic skills that they need to know to build on their future education.
When I use the musical lessons you have developed I notice a change in the level of learning the children are achieving. As they move and think at the same time I note a different expression. Children appear as though they are actually "present" in the games/activities opposed to having a "distant gaze" when they are looking at a screen or "replaying" what they have seen on screen. I tell the children that I can see that their brain is "sparkling" when I notice that they are truly immersed in learning!
As I continue to teach our future, I will keep your music at my side so that I may engage the children in their learning in real physical time and space using actual imagination to take them to their highest abilities!
Blessings of music and love,
Kim Hughes-Baus
Spearfish, South Dakota
Dear Mr. Hap Palmer,
Sorry for randomly messaging you, but I wanted to send a thank you message for being a good part of my young childhood. I was born in 1999, and when I was really little, all my siblings and I had to watch was whatever VHS tapes our parents got us. I absolutely loved music and sing along songs when I was little, and your versions of songs is what my mind went to whenever I thought about little kid songs growing up. (It irritated little me growing up that no one else knew the 'other parts' of Itsy Bitsy Spider that made it better, the lyrics that you added, since no one besides my sister would understand what I was referencing.) Even original songs that I loved as a kid sometimes randomly got stuck in my head like Little Chickie. (Can you tell that Baby Songs Animals was the VHS that survived the longest?) We admittedly had the tapes kept around for a lot of my childhood because my little autistic brother loves music, and even though it annoyed me when I got older, I look back fondly at the memories. I think it was middle school when the last of the VHS's ended up breaking, my brother enjoyed taking things apart and didn't understand the consequences of that. Since the virus that is going on is keeping lots of people at home, since I have less hours working I've been thinking about my childhood a lot. It took a long time to find, since "Happy Little Baby Songs" was all I remembered and looking stuff like that up gets you just generic things, but i'm glad I managed to eventually stumble across Wikipedia which helped me find your website which eventually I found your youtube. It's 3:30 in the morning when I am writing this and since i'm getting nostalgic randomly I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for my childhood.
Hope this brought a smile to your face and that you are doing well in these crazy times.
From,
Jessica Adams
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