Biographical Note
Edward Lipton was born on February 26, 1934. A versatile songwriter who was active from the 1960s through the 1980s, he was perhaps best known as a songwriter and performer of children's songs. He was also known for his topical songs, humorous songs, love songs, lullabies, and for songs that dealt with Jewish themes, both Biblical and modern. Lipton sang in numerous concerts, and appeared on national and local educational television programs and radio shows. His songs were published in leading folk music publications. His extensive experience with children includes working as a teacher, as a children's folk music program director, conducting children's song workshops and singing at folk festivals and concerts.
Lipton recorded three record albums for Gilead Music between 1971-1976. The first two recordings, titled Fly Hippopotamus, Fly and Animal Automobile Ride, feature his children's songs. The third recording, New Songs of Jewish Pride, present songs based on Jewish themes. Many of the songs performed on these recordings can be found in the present collection.
His children's songs were particularly appreciated for being easy to sing and for their entertainment as well as educational value. They appealed to children of all ages as well as to adults. Lipton expressed the opinion that too many writers and entertainers underestimated the ability of children to understand and appreciate the meanings conveyed in his songs. Edward Lipton died on January 23, 2011, in New York City.