At Benjamin Adlard, we believe it is vital for our children to engage with a wide range of music, through listening, composing, singing, playing and exploring music through cultures and periods of time.

We like to learn about different artists, who create and perform great pieces of music and discuss their similarities, differences to other pieces we have heard and the stories they are trying to tell.

Each term, the children of Benjamin Adlard listen to music that enhances their knowledge about one artist. Songs by the musicians are listened to and learnt during singing assembly. 
Each class learns one song from the musician of the term and performs this to the rest of the school at Benjies Singsation. 

Term 1 - Bob Marley 

Bob was born in 1945 and sadly passed away in 1981–41 years ago this year! He was a trailblazer in Jamaica, helping waring leaders to discuss peace - they even joined him on stage! He believed in unity and freedom, and One Love. He made music in the reggae style and helped to popularise that style across the world.

Term 2 - The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960 and consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. 

The Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool but quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom after their first hit, “Love Me Do”, in late 1962. Their enormous popularity was named “Beatlemania” and the group were given the nickname the “Fab Four“. 

From 1965 on, the Beatles produced what many critics consider their finest material, including the hugely popular Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club (1967), The Beatles (1968), and Abbey Road (1969). 

After their break up in 1970, they each enjoyed successful musical careers. 

Sadly, John Lennon was shot and killed in December 1980, and George Harrison died of lung cancer in November 2001.  Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr still make music and appear in concerts.

Records show that the Beatles are the best-selling bands in the United  States, with 177 million record sales. They have had more number-one  albums on the British charts and sold more singles in the UK than any other act. 

Term 3 - Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas. She formed an all-girls band with childhood friends when she was nine. The band was called Girl’s Tyme. Beyoncé soon became the lead singer as some members left the band and others joined.

By 1997 the band was called Destiny’s Child, and they signed a contract with Columbia Records. They produced their first album, Destiny’s Child, in 1998. Beyoncé also began to write and produce music. She helped write the band’s famous songs “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women.”

In the early 2000s the band broke up. In 2003 Beyoncé helped to write her first solo album, Dangerously in Love. The album was successful and topped the charts.

The Destiny’s Child band members decided to get together again in 2004. They released a successful album called Destiny Fulfilled. During a world tour in 2005, however, they announced that they would officially end their band.

In 2008 Beyoncé released a double album called I Am…Sasha Fierce. The album was a big hit and helped Beyoncé win several Grammy Awards in 2010. The awards she received included song of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best contemporary R&B album. She won many more Grammy Awards throughout her career. By 2023 she had won more Grammys than any other artist.

Beyoncé had acting roles in several films, including Dreamgirls (2006) and Cadillac Records (2008). She was the voice of a forest queen in the cartoon Epic (2013). In 2019 Beyoncé voiced a character in the remake of Disney’s The Lion King and performed several songs on the soundtrack.

In 2008 Beyoncé married rapper Jay Z. Their daughter Blue Ivy was born in 2012, and twins Sir and Rumi were born in 2017.

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25th March 1947. He was raised in Pinner, Middlesex in a small council house and attended Pinner Wood Junior School, Reddiford School and Pinner County Grammar School. He left school at 17 to pursue a career in the music industry. 

Term 4 - Dolly Parton 

Dolly Parton is a legendary country music singer known for her incredible voice and catchy songs. Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, she grew up in a large family with 11 brothers and sisters. From a young age, Dolly showed a passion for music, writing her first songs as a child. After moving to Nashville as a teenager, she quickly made a name for herself with hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5.” Besides her music career, Dolly is also a talented actress, appearing in films like “Steel Magnolias” and starring in her very own theme park, Dollywood.

Beyond her fame, Dolly has a big heart and loves helping others. She created the Imagination Library, a program that provides free books for children to encourage a love of reading, benefiting millions of kids worldwide. Known for her colourful and sparkly outfits, Dolly’s unique style makes her stand out. Over her career, she has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With her sense of humour and kindness, Dolly inspires people everywhere to follow their dreams and make the world a better place.
 

Term 5 - Elvis Presley 

Born to Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Presley, Elvis Presley had an older twin brother (Jesse Garon) who was born 25 minutes earlier than him.

In August 1953, he went to record a two-sided disc at Sun Records. He intended for the disk to be for his mum for her birthday. In an interview he was asked, "Who do you sound like?" and he would frequently reply that he did not sound like anyone. One of his friends, Ronnie Smith told Presley that he should contact Eddie Bond, who was leader of a band that Ronnie was also in. Elvis had many famous songs: Jailhouse Rock, All Shook Up, A Little Less Conversation, Suspicious Minds, Hound Dog. 

Around the globe, his name, voice, and music will never be forgotten. He is often called by many,' The King of Rock and Roll,' or more commonly,' The King.' He is recognised as one of the most important music artists and remains the best-selling solo artist of all time. Also, he earned himself a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. His twenty-five
multi-platinum albums are second behind The Beatles.
 

Term 6 - Elton John

Elton is a hugely successful singer, composer, pianist, record producer, and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date.

In his five-decade career, Elton has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best selling music artists in the world. He has more than fifty top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums. His single “Candle in the Wind” sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single of all time. He has received many awards for his music (Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and Tony Award).

In 1998, Elton received a knighthood from the Queen Elizabeth for “services to music and charitable services”. He has performed at a number of royal events, such as the funeral of Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in 1997, the Party at the Palace in 2002 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012.

Over the last 30 years, Elton John has raised over $200,000,000 for different  charities. He is especially famous for hosting the annual Academy Award Party, which is a party for rich and famous people after the Oscar ceremony.