Fred Penner
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Frederick (Fred) Ralph Cornelius Penner (born 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) is a Canadian children's entertainer who gives appearances throughout North America. He also had a CBC show called Fred Penner's Place, which aired from 1985–1997 and also once aired on Nickelodeon.
Fred's musical career practically began as soon as he could harmonize. As early as the age of four, he would make up songs while travelling on the bus with his mother. Fred taught himself how to play the guitar when he was in grade school. He performed in school choirs and pageants. He recognized the therapeutic value of music through experience with his sister, Susie, who had Down's Syndrome.
After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and psychology, Fred spent time working with mentally and physically challenged children, using his considerable musical talents to comfort and entertain.
In 1977, Fred met choreographer and future wife Odette Heyn, with whom he started a children's dance theatre company. Fred accepted an offer to do a recording, which resulted in the classic album, The Cat Came Back. It launched his career and established him as a premiere Canadian children's entertainer.
In 1991, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada for "using music and song to entertain and educate his young audience". [link]
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