News Summary
Megan Piphus, known for her role on ‘Sesame Street’, is releasing her second children’s album, ‘Cinderella Sweep’. The album, aimed at girls aged 7 to 13, promotes self-esteem, confidence, and valuable life skills through engaging hip-hop and R&B sounds. Collaborating with 53 girls from ‘Saving Our Daughters’, this album offers relatable narratives and important educational content, showcasing Piphus’s commitment to enriching children’s lives through music and arts.
Nashville, TN – Megan Piphus, a prominent puppeteer and musician recognized for her role as Gabrielle on Sesame Street, is set to release her second album for children, titled “Cinderella Sweep,” on July 11. This album aims to empower young girls aged 7 to 13, focusing on important themes and values relevant to their development.
Piphus became the first full-time Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street when she joined the cast in 2021, a groundbreaking achievement in children’s entertainment. Her new album leans heavily into the dynamic sounds of hip-hop and R&B, offering a fresh and engaging listening experience for the target audience.
Unlike her debut album, “Spaceships & Dreams,” which emphasized imagination and big dreams, “Cinderella Sweep” incorporates narratives that draw inspiration from a game show format. This sweeping concept aims to engage young listeners by making the themes relatable and interactive. The album also features contributions from 53 girls involved with the nonprofit organization Saving Our Daughters, alongside members of the Soul Children of Chicago youth choir.
Promoting Confidence and Skills
Saving Our Daughters is dedicated to empowering girls from various backgrounds, focusing on building self-esteem, confidence, and life skills. The organization collaborates with public, private, and charter schools, although there are currently no affiliated schools in Nashville. Over the years, more than 50,000 girls have participated in programs under this nonprofit and are lovingly referred to as “Cinderellas.”
Piphus places great importance on educational content in her music, reflecting her belief in the necessity of teaching through the arts. The album includes songs designed for learning, such as “ABCs of Me,” which Piphus enjoys incorporating into educational settings.
A Personal Touch
In addition to the collaborative efforts of young girls, Piphus includes personal elements in her work, as her own sons, ages 6 and 4, form a part of her most honest audience. One of her sons even lends his voice to the album, providing an intimate connection to her music. Piphus’s dedication to her craft is underscored by her already impressive accolades; she has won four Emmy Awards for her contributions to children’s programming.
The Journey of Megan Piphus
Piphus’s journey in puppetry began at the tender age of 10, influenced by church members who introduced her to a Christian puppetry and ventriloquism conference. Her passion for puppetry grew as she explored VHS tapes on the subject, allowing her to enhance her skills and perform for classmates. Her first puppet, a replica of the famous Charley McCarthy, paved the way for her love of puppetry, which eventually guided her to create her first Black puppet named Darlene.
Future Endeavors
In tandem with her music projects, Piphus is also working on a children’s book titled “Talk to the Hand,” scheduled for publication next year with Penguin Young Readers. This multifaceted approach to storytelling and education exemplifies Piphus’s commitment to making a positive impact on children’s lives through both music and literature.
Megan Piphus continues to break barriers in the field of children’s entertainment, using her platform to inspire the next generation. With the upcoming release of “Cinderella Sweep,” she aims not only to entertain but also to equip young girls with virtues that will serve them throughout their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Nashville Scene
- Wikipedia: Sesame Street
- Music Row
- Google Search: Megan Piphus
- Tennessean
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Children’s Programming
- ABC 7 NY
- Google News: Children’s music
Author: HERE Nashville
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