Raffi Biography and Raffi Music

Raffi Biography

Children's music was revolutionized by the recordings of Egypt-born and British Columbia-based singer-songwriter Raffi. Although he launched his musical career as a Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell-inspired singer-songwriter, Raffi had his greatest success when he directed his performances and recordings to youngsters during the 1980s. Raffi's albums of children's music have sold more than eight million copies worldwide and have led to him being called, "The Bruce Springsteen of the younger set".
The son of a well-known portrait photographer and amateur accordion player, Raffi's earliest dreams were of teaching history. Inspired by the popularity of American folk music, Raffi acquired a guitar while in high school. Although he attended the University of Toronto for a couple of years, he dropped out to pursue a full-time career in music. After sharpening his skills in Toronto's folk music clubs and coffeehouses, Raffi turned to children's music at the suggestion of his mother-in-law, who requested that he write and record songs for youngsters at the pre-school she ran. Taught songs by his wife, Debi Pike, a kindergarten teacher, Raffi produced a tape that was so strong that copies were requested by other schools. Borrowing four thousand dollars from a local bank, Raffi recorded his debut album, Singable Songs For The Very Young, in a small, basement, recording studio. Although it sold well, the album became a major success after being up for distribution by A&M.