Children’s singer, songwriter, music producer, ecology advocate, entrepreneur, and author to receive Legacy for Children Award

Millions of children grew up listening to legendary children’s musician Raffi Cavoukian, known simply as Raffi, the Armenian-Canadian pioneer who changed the perception of children’s music by pioneering quality recordings on his independent label, Troubadour. Described by the Washington Post and the Toronto Star as “the most popular children’s entertainer in the English-speaking world,” and “Canada’s all-time children’s champion,” Raffi, will receive the Legacy for Children Award from Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose in June.

“Raffi has dedicated his life to creating a world of musical joy where children feel valued and honored,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. “In addition to his four decades of creating award-winning music, the work of the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring that supports the wellbeing of all children and families is laudable and truly inspirational.”

A prolific songwriter and producer, Raffi has refused commercial endorsements and advertisements to children throughout his long career. He received the Fred Rogers Integrity Award for this commitment. His early music lovingly guided millions of children through childhood with songs that celebrate children’s humanity, love, and dignity including his big hit, “Baby Beluga.” Raffi released his latest album, Penny Penguin, in collaboration with the Juno award-winning, folk-pop trio, “Good Lovelies,” this spring.

Following in the footsteps of many folksingers, Raffi shifted his focus toward environmental activism later in his career, partly through his foundation that believes honoring children is the best way to build community, restore ecosystems, and create sustainable economies for the wellbeing of all children and families. Raffi continues to write, record, and tour. He also produces the work of fellow artists and he has published more than 14 children’s books.

Raffi has received a Juno; the Order of Canada; the Order of the BC; the UN Earth Achievement Award; five honorary degrees; the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; a Special Achievement Award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN); the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award and was nominated for three Grammys.  

“Keep on Playing” Legacy for Children Award

Each year the Legacy for Children Award honors an individual who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children. Some of the past recipients include STEM entrepreneur and rocket scientist Sylvia Acevedo, Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, violinist Roberta Guaspari, astronaut Steve Smith, Sesame Street actor Sonia Manzano, civil rights activist and author Ruby Bridges, Steve Wozniak, Olympic medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, Mister Fred Rogers, astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, and former 49er and Raider Ronnie Lott.

“Keep on Playing” supports the museum’s mission of inspiring children’s creativity, curiosity and exploration through hands-on educational exhibits, in-depth programming, and cultural events designed to help children grow into the visionaries and global citizens of tomorrow.

This year’s Legacy for Children event, “Keep on Playing,” is on Saturday, June 22 at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Last year’s 23^rd annual event raised $1.2 million.

About Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Kids lead the way at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, exploring and discovering through open-ended, play-based learning. Over 150 hands-on exhibits and programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, nature, and health spark curiosity and ignite family fun where children build life skills in creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. The nonprofit celebrates people and diverse cultures, creates authentic connections, and builds global understanding. Welcoming more than 10 million visitors since 1990, the award-winning museum inspires creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning inside the stunning 50,000-square-foot purple building designed by the late world-renowned Mexico City architect Ricardo Legoretta, and outside in the half-acre nature space.