Best Children’s Music Albums 1970s
Wondering what ’70s kids did for fun before gadgets took over? Besides rolling in the dust and scraping their knees, they listened to record albums!
This collection of children’s music albums from the 1970s will whisk you away to carefree childhood days.
1. Marlo Thomas And Friends, Free to Be… You and Me (1972)
The 1970s was a golden time when kids could be free to be “you and me” without worrying about gender stereotypes.
It was okay for boys to play with dolls and for girls to dream of becoming doctors and police officers.
That message is as fresh as ever!
The heartfelt project features original songs from Marlo Thomas and his friends, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Mel Brooks.
2. The Muppets, The Muppet Show (1977)
Ready for some bouncy tunes and hilarious sketches from your favorite Muppets?
Between Fozzie Bear’s monologue and Waldorf and Statler’s heckling, The Muppet Show album is a complete riot! Tracks like “Tit Willow” and “Sax and Violence” add even more reasons to grin.
The comedy album shot straight to the top of the charts and bagged a Grammy.
3. Donovan, HMS Donovan (1971)
Hop aboard HMS Donovan for a blend of delightful folk songs and poems. For instance, the Scottish entertainer turned Lewis Caroll’s “Jabberwocky” into a catchy tune that sounds like a Hobbit sang it!
With tracks about candies, unicorns, and pee-pees, this 1970s hidden gem is a nod to childhood wonder. All thanks to Captain Donovan and his talented pirate crew of musicians!
4. Sesame Street, C… Is for Cookie (1971)
Dip in Cookie Monster’s jar of monster hits about his love for, what else, cookies!
This album is one in a series of character-focused soundtracks. Performed by Frank Oz, the blue cookie-munching Muppet is an absolute rockstar in his gravelly voice.
Some bangers include “C” Is for Cookie, Birthday Cookie, and M-M-M Monster Meal.
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Very Best of The Chipmunks (1975)
Alvin’s antics keep David Seville on his toes, but they’re pure joy for us!
This collection of Chipmunk classic songs will have you smiling and singing along in high-pitched glee.
From “The Chipmunk Song” to “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” every track is an ear-tickler. And for a kid’s album, the musical arrangements are exceptional. It’s a fun treat for all ages!
6. Tom T. Hall, Saturday Morning Songs (1979)
You can’t sing boogie on Saturday mornings, but you can play all the songs from this Tom T. Hall album all week. Yes, even the holiday tracks from Easter to Christmas, if you like!
Besides playful songs about a rattlemouse and a dog named Pisty, the album shares lessons about self-acceptance and believing in yourself.
7. Raffi, More Singable Songs (1977)
The Canadian-Armenian troubadour continues to sing “More Singable Songs” after his widely loved previous work, Singable Songs for the Very Young.
But this time, the album features less familiar tunes like “Les Petite Marionettes” and “Sambalele.” Also, don’t miss out on other catchy acoustic songs like “Six Little Ducks” and “Comin’ Down the Chimney.”
And if you need a moment of calm, you might doze off to “Douglas Mountain.”
8. Johnny Cash, The Johnny Cash Children’s Album (1975)
The Man in Black’s songs for children retains his signature rockabilly style, delivered in his rich baritone voice.
Lifelong Cash fans will love the sweet collection of novelties, including”Nasty Dan” and “Old Shep.” The charming duet with his wife, June Carter, called “I Got a Boy and His Name Is John” is a lovely bonus.
9. Various Artists, The Greatest Hits of Walt Disney (1976)
Before Elton John and Phil Collins gave us Disney hits, we had the OG classics!
This album is a magical compilation of iconic soundtracks from Disney cartoons like Mickey Mouse, Bambi, and Pinnochio.
It also includes the duet “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke for Mary Poppins. For more tongue-twisting tunes, skip to “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Bibbidi-Babbidi-Boo.”
10. The Smurfs, Smurfing Sing Song (1979)
Join Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and all your favorite blue friends for a smurf-tastic time!
Smurfing Sing Song isn’t all about fun and games; it also winks at life’s realities. For instance, “Merry Go Round” tugs at the heartstrings with its theme of the circle of life.
11. Larry Groce, Disneyland Children’s Sing-Along Chorus (1979)
Larry Groce recorded nursery rhymes for another vintage Disney experience. The album contains 25 tracks that are sure to keep your kids entertained for hours on end.
Sing along to familiar songs like “Yankee Doodle,” “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” and “Old Blue.”
12. Elvis Presley, Elvis Sings for Children and Grownups Too (1978)
The King of Rock and Roll brings a family-friendly mix of easy-listening songs about different emotions and themes.
Released posthumously, this album features popular Elvis love songs like “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Wooden Heart” that are wholesome enough for children.
Exclusive kid’s tunes include “Cotton Candy Land,” “Five Sleepy Heads,” and “Old McDonald.”
13. Philadelphia Orchestra with David Bowie, David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf
Witness Peter set out to face a big bad wolf with the help of a ragtag gang of animals, each represented by different instruments like clarinets and French horns.
This album is a blast for anyone who loves stories, spectacular music, and David Bowie. It’s also a great way to introduce children to orchestra.
14. A Christmas Together by John Denver and The Muppets (1972)
This album is a jolly mix of traditional Christmas carols and original tracks. It opens with John Denver’s solo rendition of “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, and the other Muppets also join the acoustic singer in songs like “Silent Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
15. Charlie Drake, Puckwudgie (1972)
With just two tracks on vinyl, the slapstick comedian’s Puckwudgie has humor and heart.
First, the title song tells you all those spooky night sounds are just the funny garden gnome Puckwudgie clowning around.
Then, on the B side is “Toffee and Tears,” a daddy’s sweet lullaby for his little girl.
Wrapping Up
So, dust off that record player if you want to introduce your little ones to the classic songs of yesteryears! These children’s music albums from the 1970s will surely bring giggles and fond memories.
And don’t forget to explore the best children’s songs from that decade while you’re at it!