In the United States, Children’s music continues to be a force in the commercial music industry. At one point in early 2006, the top three albums on the Billboard charts were all children’s music: Disney’s High School Musical soundtrack, Kidz Bop 9, and the Curious George film soundtrack. Most albums targeted nationally to children are soundtracks for motion pictures or symbiotic marketing projects involving mass-marketed acts such as The Wiggles or Veggie Tales.
The 21st century has also seen an increase in the number of independent children’s music artists, with acts like The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, Dan Zanes, Parachute Express, Cathy Bollinger, and Laurie Berkner getting wide exposure on cable TV channels targeted to kids. Trout Fishing in America has achieved much acclaim continuing the tradition of merging sophisticated folk music with family-friendly lyrics. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo infuses hip-hop with family friendly messages and imaginative stories and is known as “The King of Kid-Hop”. Also recently, traditionally rock-oriented acts like They Might Be Giants have released albums marketed directly to children, such as No! and Here Come the ABCs. Jimmy Buffett simply remade his Cheeseburger in Paradise song into children’s music with cleaned up lyrics (“Root Beer” instead of “Draft Beer”). His songs were already kid friendly with catchy lyrics and simple melodies punctuated with penny whistles and ship bell sound effects.