Teddy Bears' Picnic facts for kids

"Teddy Bears' Picnic" is a very popular song about teddy bears. It tells the story of teddy bears having a secret picnic in the woods. The tune for this famous song was created by John Walter Bratton in 1907. Later, in 1932, Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy wrote the words that we know today. Since then, it has been a favorite song for children and families around the world.

The Story Behind the Song

The music for "Teddy Bears' Picnic" was first published in 1907 by an American composer named John Walter Bratton. He wrote it as an instrumental piece, meaning it had no words, just the melody. It was quite popular even then.

Many years later, in 1932, a talented songwriter from Ireland, Jimmy Kennedy, decided to add lyrics to Bratton's catchy tune. Kennedy's words brought the song to life, describing a fun and secret picnic held by teddy bears. This combination of Bratton's melody and Kennedy's words made the song a huge hit.

Famous Recordings and Uses

"Teddy Bears' Picnic" has been recorded by many different musicians over the years. One of the most famous recordings was made in 1932 by a bandleader named Henry Hall. His version became very popular.

For more than 30 years, this specific recording by Henry Hall was used by engineers at the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) to test their audio equipment. They would play the song to make sure their sound systems were working perfectly. This shows how well-known and clear the recording was!

Why Kids Love It

The song remains a beloved classic because it sparks imagination. It talks about teddy bears, which many children love, going on an adventure. The simple, cheerful melody and the playful words make it easy for kids to sing along and imagine their own teddy bears having a picnic. It's a timeless tune that brings joy to new generations.

Images for kids

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  Advertisement for sheet music of "The Teddy Bears Picnic" as published in the Star Tribune newspaper in April 1908