Videos
Today is Monday in Louisiana
Winner of a National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA), Today is Monday in Louisiana is Johnette’s signature song and book. This culinary calendar book highlights seven unique foods from the Bayou State. Get ready to sing along and “come and eat it up.”
Who Got the Baby in the King Cake
This is the Dixieland jazz song lets you know you are in New Orleans, and goes with Johnette Downing’s book, Who Got the Baby in the King Cake?, published by River Road Press (2019). A king cake is a ring-shaped pastry served during the Mardi Gras season. Whoever finds the plastic toy baby in their piece of king cake is obliged to host the next king cake party. Featured on this recording with Johnette are drummer Doug Belote, bassist James Singleton, and members of the famed Dukes of Dixieland—trumpet player Kevin Clark, trombonist Craig Klein and clarinetist Tim Laughlin.
How to Dress a Po' Boy
In New Orleans, when you order a po' boy sandwich, you will be asked if you want it "dressed." What does that mean? Find out in this song that goes with Johnette's picture book by the same title.
Bamboula Rhythm
The bamboula rhythm is truly the heartbeat of New Orleans music, celebrated in all its spontaneous joy in this video, directed by the award-winning film maker Lily Keber. Accompanying Johnette and Scott are Roger Lewis, Kevin Harris and Kirk Joseph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along with the drummers from the Treme Brass Band, along with Mardi Gras Indian "Honey" Bannister and second line dancer Nicole Tate.
Twenty Bees
BEE ready to buzz around the hive in this counting backwards song by songstress Johnette Downing. Based on her "Twenty Bees" song from her Silver Parents' Choice award winning children's album "Boogie Woogie Bugs" (Wiggle Worm Records), Johnette invites children to sing along as she counts backwards by 1s, 2s, 4s, 5s, and 10s. This animated music video is illustrated in Johnette's cut-paper collage style. The video ends with bee fun facts excerpted from the Bee Conservancy for educational purposes about bee preservation. Musicians Gina Forsyth on fiddle and Marc Dobriner on electric guitar are featured on the song, and Scott Billington animated the video. BEE kind to Bees! For more information about Johnette's music, books, and programs for children, please visit https://johnettedowning.com
All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication strictly prohibited without prior written consent by Johnette Downing. Lyrics, music, video, illustrations and performance Copyright 2023 Johnette Downing. Johnette Downing Wiggle Worm Records Song administered by Concord Music Group Song digital distribution by CDBaby. www.johnettedowning.com
Mississippi River
Johnette Downing learned how to spell Mississippi from her mother in a most creative way. Here Johnette adds music and lyrics to make this spelling chant a fun dance, about the mighty river, for all. Johnette and Scott Billington perform this song live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old US Mint at their album release party for "Swamp Romp."
Amazon Alphabet
Based on her book the Amazon Alphabet (Pelican Publishing), award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing invites children of all ages to go wild in the rainforest with dozens of exotic animals in this colorful trek through the Amazon. This A to Z adventure includes fascinating facts about some of the world's most unique creatures, from woolly monkeys and pink dolphins to electric eels, ocelots, black jaguars, and more.
Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh
The New Orleans Pelicans and Audubon Nature Institute are teaming up with multi-award-winning children’s book author Johnette Downing and illustrator Heather Stanley to encourage reading and connect children with the beauty and importance of Louisiana’s wetlands through their book, Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh.