Marla Lewis - Songbook (2021)

Marla Lewis has delighted hundreds of young audiences in the New York City area at outdoor concerts, schools, libraries,day camps, and more. Her songs have been played on radio shows from JoJoRadio in Germany to K-Too in Alaska, and performed by children from around the world, from France to Australia. Most recently, you can hear her songs on Women of Substance Radio and on Fred Koch's children's podcast.

Marla is currently switching genres from Children's Music to Smooth Jazz! Marla says, "It feels like s natural progression. The music flows out from my mind and heart to my voice and guitar. I feel like I'm channeling Michael Franks!" The album is called SONGBOOK. Stay tuned for the imminent release of her first single called, "Blue Horizon!"

Marla's music has always graced many styles, from pop, rock, and blues to jazz, classical, and world. Her subject matter is diverse as well: from "We All Laugh in the Same Language," a tune that celebrates diversity; to "My Room's a Mess!" to "Mighty Jackie, The Strikeout Queen" (co-written with Les Julian),which tells the true story of 17 year old Jackie Mitchell, who struck out Babe Ruth AND Lou Gehrig in the same game! -- you will find songs about almost everything you can imagine.

Marla has a song on a Grammy-Winning CD! Her tune, "Leap of Faith," co- written with Nancy Schimmel, appears on the album, ALL ABOUT BULLIES...BIG AND SMALL, which won Best Children's Recording at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Marla's Song, "Celebrating Kwanzaa," appeared in an independent film, Father vs. Son, co-starring Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family. Most recently, she has just finished composing 40 tunes for two seasons of Kid's TV, and Internet cartoon show, and written over fifty songs for children who are seriously ill through Songs of Love, a national charitable organization. Check out some of those tunes on the Songs of Love Page!

Both of Marla's CD's have won prominent national and international awards. Her first, We All Laugh in the Same Language, was awarded NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications) Gold and Parents' Choice. Her second CD, I Love to Talk to Plants, won NAPPA Honors and Parents' Choice Gold. Many of her songs have received individual awards as well. (See Awards page). Marla has also recorded an EP entitled Cocoa!, including Caribbean, rock, jazz, jug band, and a song about a St. Patrick's Day parade!

For 23 years, Marla worked as an elementary school teacher of English as a Second Language. In this capacity, she created songs and literacy programs to teach English to her ESL students in a fun way. One of these programs, entitled We Love to Read, co-written with ESL teacher Bernadette Falletta, is a musical/phonics program geared especially to learners of English. In addition, she has presented countless workshops promoting Music and Literacy at educational conferences throughout the East Coast of the US. Her favorite workshop is Songwriting with Kids.

Most recently, Marla has released three singles, "Gravity", "Howard's Theme", and finally, "Brave Little Seed," written with Val Smalkin, which she is having published as a children's picture book to compliment the audio. She is also working with Andrea Green, internationally know children's musician and playwright, on a musical for children.