Dan Zanes

Dan Zanes is an American musician whose career spans multiple decades and genres, including roots rock, folk, and family music. Zanes first gained recognition as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the roots rock band The Del Fuegos, known for albums such as "The Longest Day," "Boston, Mass," "Stand Up," and "Smoking in the Fields," as well as the single "Don't Run Wild." Rolling Stone named The Del Fuegos Best New Band in the 1980s.

After becoming a father, Zanes began creating music designed for families, drawing inspiration from the Folkways records of his youth. He released "Rocket Ship Beach" after moving to Brooklyn, which resonated with families across the United States. Through his independent label Festival Five Records, Zanes released a series of family albums, including "Family Dance," "Night Time," and "House Party," collaborating with artists such as Roseanne Cash, Loudon Wainwright III, Lou Reed, and Aimee Mann.

Zanes' work blends sea shanties, English music hall, North American and West Indian folk music, play party songs, early rock-and-roll, and original compositions. His music has been featured on Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, Nickelodeon, HBO Family, and Sprout. NPR described Zanes as the gold standard in children's music. He has received a Grammy Award and two nominations for Best Musical Album for Children, with a win for the album "Catch That Train!"

Throughout his career, Zanes has released 14 albums, two DVDs, and two picture books, collaborating with artists such as Philip Glass, Angelique Kidjo, Natalie Merchant, Carol Channing, Sharon Jones, and Bob Weir. He is the author of two picture books with artist Donald Saaf, "Jump Up!" and "Hello Hello," published by Little, Brown and Company Books. Zanes also published the songbook "Dan Zanes' House Party: A Family Roots Music Treasury" with the Quarto Group USA.

Zanes and Haitian-American music therapist and jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes have collaborated on music and performances, focusing on accessibility and sensory-friendly concerts. Their commitment to inclusive family music led to a commission from the Kennedy Center for the theater piece "Night Train 57: A Sensory-Friendly Comic Folk Opera." Zanes is recognized for bringing authentic rock and folk influences to children's music, expanding its reach and cultural significance.