Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner launched her professional music career in 1992, though she discovered her genuine path in 1997 upon issuing Whaddaya Think of That?, her first set of original children's compositions. From that point she has remained a leading figure in the "kindie rock" movement, a style aimed at both parents and children that she helped establish with fellow artists including Dan Zanes and They Might Be Giants. In addition to her award-winning albums such as Under a Shady Tree (2002), Rocketship Run (2008), and Let's Go (2021), she has produced numerous videos and written multiple children's books.

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Laurie Berkner had not planned to achieve major success as a children's performer. The New Jersey native immersed herself in music during her early years through choir, orchestra, and musical theater. After college she worked as a music counselor at summer camps, where she developed abilities that later shaped her career. Following several band experiences, she served as a children's music specialist at New York area preschools and daycares before releasing her debut album Whaddaya Think of That? in 1997. The next year, after Buzz Buzz appeared, she founded her own imprint, Two Tomatoes Records. By the arrival of Victor Vito in late 1999, her guitar-led singalongs had become established in the field, collecting many awards and earning mentions in People and U.S. News & World Report along with appreciation from children and parents. The Laurie Berkner Band has released numerous albums, videos, and books including We Are... The Laurie Berkner Band (2006), Rocketship Run (2008), Laurie Berkner Christmas (2012), Lullabies (2014), Superhero (2016), Waiting for the Elevator (2019), and Let's Go (2021). Berkner and her collaborators have also appeared on the daytime talk show The View.