John Forster

• Genre: Novelty

About

John Forster has been writing critically acclaimed children's songs since the late '70s when he teamed up with Tom Chapin and the two released a string of award-winning records geared for the post-Mr. Rogers/pre-Led Zeppelin set. His absurd sense of humor is something all kids enjoy, and he crafts his songs around unconventional and somewhat challenging themes such as embezzlement, Jazz Fusion and travel routes. Granted, anyone who wants their toddler listening to Pat Metheny must be some kind of sadist, but with Forster's music, it's all about exposure. He challenges kids to think beyond the accepted norms of their often underestimated intelligence. Forster has become a leader in children's music today, with a multi-layered wit capable of knocking kids out and teaching them at the same time as entertaining them.

- Mike McGuirk