MEET JIM

Jim Cosgrove
Musician/singer/songwriter

Bio

Kid-rocker Jim Cosgrove has emerged as one of America’s leading family entertainers. He travels the country carrying a message that resonates with people young and old – hang on to the wonder of youth and love yourself, your neighbor, and the earth. Embodying these themes in his own life, his authenticity adds to his appeal, and his music and concerts are universally well-received.

Since leaving his job as a journalist and corporate PR professional in favor of helping kids laugh and sing, Jim has spent the last twelve years performing thousands of shows for thousands of families throughout North America and Europe. Along the way, he’s released seven CDs and two DVDs that have met with critical acclaim and an array of awards. He’s performed twice at the White House Easter Egg Roll and co-founded Jiggle Jam, the country’s largest family music festival.

Jim stays connected with his fans and reaches out to the community beyond the stage in many ways. Whenever possible, Jim performs in children’s hospitals and pediatric units both in his hometown and while on tour. He shares his often poignant observations about life, family and music on the Kansas City Star’s “Mom2Mom” blog where he is a featured blogger (and the only father in a blog of moms). His keynote address “Live Like A Child! Succeed Like A Child!” [link to “Seminar” page]has inspired adult audiences around the country and serves as the “grown-up” counterpart to his family concerts.

Jim’s contribution to family life in the Midwest and throughout the U.S. is bigger than the favorite songs of his young audience. His music, his writings, his festivals, and his way of life help preserve the vitality and creativity of childhood – for kids of all ages. Viewing the world through Jim’s eyes provides a valuable reminder to get back down to the serious business of having fun.

Hometown
Born in Kansas City, MO; residing in Prairie Village, KS

Family
Jim’s family doubles as his road crew. His wife Jeni is his booking agent and tour manager, and their daughters, Lyda and Willa, are a key part of the traveling team and occasionally perform on stage.

Education
B.A. Journalism, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
M.A. English; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Influences
Woody Guthrie; Pete Seger; Peter, Paul, & Mary; Joni Mitchell; John McCutcheon; Jimmy Buffett; and scads of singing nuns throughout 17 years of Catholic education.

Past lives
Jim worked as a New Mexico newspaper reporter, teacher, corporate PR flak in Tennessee, and national public speaker before having the sense enough to get a“real” job helping children laugh.

Birthday
April 27th

Discography - lyrics and audio
• Bop Bop Dinosaur (1998 – re-released 2005)
• Stinky Feet (1999 – re-released 2002)
• Ooey Gooey (2000)
• Stinky Feet Live! (DVD – 2001) Pick Me! Pick Me! (2003)
• Mr. Stinky Feet’s Christmas (2003)
• Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip (2005)
• Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip Live (DVD – 2007)
• Upside Down (2008)
• Swimming In Noodles (2010)

Awards
2008
Parents’ Choice “Approved” Award for Upside Down
2008
Voted “Favorite Entertainer” in the 2008 Family Favorites Poll by the readers of Kansas City Parent Magazine.
2007
Parents’ Choice “Approved” Award for Ooey Gooey
2007
Parent-to-Parent “Adding Wisdom” Award for entire catalog of music
2006
Kids Radio Mania “Best Concept Album” for Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip
2005
Parents’ Choice “Recommended” Award for Bop Bop Dinosaur
2003
Parents’ Choice “Recommended” Award for Pick Me! Pick Me!
National Parenting Publications Award for Pick Me! Pick Me
2002
Parents’ Choice “Recommended” Award for Stinky Feet