One of my fondest childhood memories is listening to music and singing along with my parents. We had the usual “children’s” music on records or tapes, but we would also listen to grown up music together, like oldies or showtunes too.

Growing up with showtunes is fun because when you finally see some of the classic Broadway plays, or their movie versions, you recognize the songs already. Imagine my surprise as a teenager to realize that the silly water safety song from childhood “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” actually turned out to be about shooting craps!

For some family friendly compilations of Broadway showtunes, try these CDs from the library’s music collection in Youth Services:

A Child’s Celebration of Broadway

A Child’s Celebration of Showtunes

Baby Loves Broadway

And don’t overlook the music collection in the Media area:

Songs I heard by Harry Connick, Jr. contains jazzed up but recognizable children’s music with Harry Connick, Jr.‘s unique style

When you are browsing in the Music CDs, pay particular attention to the K (musicals) and L (soundtracks) sections, You might just find a new family favorite!

What are your family’s favorite Broadway tunes? Do you remember singing any showtunes as a child?