Laurie Berkner is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, author, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist best known for creating music for children and families. Over several decades, she has built a distinctive career around songs that encourage children to sing, dance, move, imagine, and participate. Her work has also played an important role in the development of kindie rock, a style of children’s music that combines elements of rock, folk, and pop without treating young listeners as if they need overly simplified music.
Berkner has been a professional musician since 1992, but her major breakthrough in children’s music came in the late 1990s. Her first children’s album, Whaddaya Think of That?, was released in 1997, followed by Buzz Buzz in 1998 and Victor Vito in 1999. She later founded Two Tomatoes Records, giving her greater control over the music she created and released.
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Laurie Berkner |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, author, guitarist, lyricist |
| Music genre | Children’s music, pop, folk, rock |
| Professional career | Began in 1992 |
| First children’s album | Whaddaya Think of That? |
| Record label | Two Tomatoes Records |
| Known for | “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish,” “Victor Vito” |
| Band | The Laurie Berkner Band |
Laurie Berkner’s Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Before becoming a major name in children’s music, Laurie Berkner developed a broad musical background. According to AllMusic, she grew up in New Jersey and participated in activities including choir, orchestra, and musical theater. Those experiences gave her exposure to different forms of performance and helped establish the musical foundation that she would later bring to her work with children.
After college, Berkner worked as a music counselor at summer camps. She later worked as a children’s music specialist at preschools and daycare centers in the New York area. This period became particularly important because she was able to see how young children responded to rhythm, repetition, movement, humor, and storytelling. Many of the qualities that became central to her recordings grew from these real-world experiences with children.
Rather than beginning with a plan to become a famous children’s performer, Berkner initially spent time performing in rock bands and working on her songwriting. Her official biography explains that writing music for children unexpectedly opened a new creative direction for her. That combination of professional musicianship and classroom experience eventually became one of the defining features of her career.
How Laurie Berkner Started Her Children’s Music Career
The turning point came when Berkner began transforming songs created through her work with children into professional recordings. Her debut children’s album, Whaddaya Think of That?, arrived in 1997. Buzz Buzz followed in 1998, and Victor Vito came in 1999. These early releases established her recognizable approach: accessible melodies, playful lyrics, acoustic instruments, and songs that invite children to actively participate.
Her success also helped demonstrate that children’s music could have genuine musical personality while remaining appropriate for young listeners. The Wall Street Journal, quoted by Berkner’s official site, highlighted that her music speaks to children without talking down to them. That philosophy became an important part of her appeal to parents as well as children.
The Laurie Berkner Band and Her Breakthrough
The Laurie Berkner Band became an important part of Berkner’s public identity as her audience expanded. Her guitar-led performances and energetic arrangements helped turn individual songs into experiences that families could enjoy together. AllMusic describes the group as one of the most popular American children’s music groups, while Berkner’s official biography notes performances at major venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House.
Television also helped introduce her music to a much larger audience. Berkner became the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Nick Jr. and appeared regularly on Jack’s Big Music Show. Her music later reached children through other television and digital platforms, helping turn songs that began in classrooms and live performances into widely recognized family favorites.
Laurie Berkner’s Popular Songs and Albums
One reason Laurie Berkner has maintained such a strong connection with families is the variety within her catalog. Her songs cover dinosaurs, animals, transportation, movement, friendship, imagination, holidays, and everyday childhood experiences. Popular titles include “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish,” “Victor Vito,” “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” and “Rocketship Run.”
Her discography has also expanded considerably over the years. The official site lists albums ranging from Whaddaya Think of That? and Buzz Buzz to Under a Shady Tree, Rocketship Run, Lullabies, Superhero, Waiting for the Elevator, Let’s Go!, Another Laurie Berkner Christmas, A Laurie Berkner Halloween, and Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits.
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Whaddaya Think of That? | 1997 |
| Buzz Buzz | 1998 |
| Victor Vito | 1999 |
| Under a Shady Tree | 2002 |
| Rocketship Run | 2008 |
| A Laurie Berkner Christmas | 2012 |
| Lullabies | 2014 |
| Superhero | 2016 |
| Waiting for the Elevator | 2019 |
| Let’s Go! | 2021 |
| Another Laurie Berkner Christmas | 2022 |
| A Laurie Berkner Halloween | 2024 |
| Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits | 2025 |
Laurie Berkner’s Work in Television and Books
Music represents only one part of Berkner’s creative career. She has also worked in children’s television, publishing, theater, and audio entertainment. Simon & Schuster identifies her as the author of children’s books including Monster Boogie, Pillowland, and We Are the Dinosaurs, each connected to the imaginative world of her music.
Berkner has also written music and lyrics for three Off-Broadway children’s musicals produced by New York City Children’s Theater: Wanda’s Monster, The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess, and Interstellar Cinderella. She later created Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen, an Audible Original audio series for children.
Her Contribution to Children’s Music
The importance of Laurie Berkner extends beyond individual hit songs. Her career helped establish the idea that children’s music could be musically sophisticated, entertaining for adults, and still deeply connected to the needs of young listeners. Her work is frequently associated with the kindie rock movement, which brought a more contemporary independent-music sensibility into children’s entertainment.
Her educational experience also influences the way her music works. Many songs encourage movement, repetition, participation, and imaginative play rather than asking children simply to listen. This approach has helped make her recordings useful in homes, classrooms, performances, and family activities. Her official site also highlights her work developing The Music in Me, an early-childhood music program based on her music and classroom philosophy.
Laurie Berkner’s Recent Work and Legacy
Berkner’s career has continued well beyond the period when she first became known through children’s television. Her official discography includes releases from the 2020s, including Let’s Go! in 2021, Another Laurie Berkner Christmas in 2022, A Laurie Berkner Halloween in 2024, and Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits in 2025. Her catalog also continues to appear across streaming and digital platforms.
Her long career demonstrates how children’s music can evolve without losing its central purpose: creating opportunities for children and families to connect through music. From preschool classrooms and early recordings to major venues, television, books, theater, and digital media, Berkner has built a body of work that remains closely associated with joyful, participatory children’s entertainment.
Conclusion
Laurie Berkner has become one of the most recognizable figures in American children’s music by combining her background as a professional musician with years of experience working directly with young children. Her songs, albums, television appearances, books, and theatrical projects have allowed her to reach generations of families while helping popularize the kindie rock approach.
Her lasting appeal comes from a straightforward idea: children’s music can be fun and accessible without being simplistic. Through songs such as “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish,” and “Victor Vito,” Berkner has created music that encourages children to sing, move, imagine, and participate. Her continuing creative work shows why her name remains important in the world of family entertainment.
FAQs
Who is Laurie Berkner?
Laurie Berkner is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, author, and children’s music performer known for her family-friendly songs and work with The Laurie Berkner Band.
What is Laurie Berkner famous for?
She is particularly known for children’s songs including “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish,” “Victor Vito,” and “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz).”
When did Laurie Berkner start her music career?
Laurie Berkner has been a professional musician since 1992 and released her first children’s album, Whaddaya Think of That?, in 1997.
What is Laurie Berkner’s most famous song?
“We Are the Dinosaurs” is among her best-known and most enduring songs, although her catalog contains many other popular children’s music favorites.
