NAMM Presents Music for Life Award to Bob McGrath of Sesame Street at 2008 Summer NAMM Show

NAMM recently presented its “Music for Life” award to Bob McGrath of Sesame Workshop’s Sesame Street for introducing the wonders of music to hundreds of thousands of children and adults over his 38-year career on the show. The accolade was given to McGrath at a breakfast session held during the 2008 Summer NAMM show.

Presented to celebrities, government officials and company CEOs, the award is the highest honor that NAMM can bestow on an individual or organization, and recognizes extraordinary contributions to NAMM’s mission of creating more active music makers.

McGrath is an original cast member of Sesame Street who plays the music teacher on the show. He is an accomplished singer with seven children’s albums to his credit. He also co-authored an educational music curriculum book for Alfred Publishing Co. called Music For Fun, used by teachers from kindergarten to second grade. His “Rhythm Band Set,” produced by Rhythm Band Instruments, is a Parent’s Choice Award winner.

Previous “Music for Life” recipients include Yoko Ono and former presidential candidate and Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee.

“NAMM is very proud to have formed such a special relationship with Bob McGrath,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “NAMM has great admiration for his sincere dedication to reaching out to people young and old and showing them how music can have a lasting, creative impact on their lives.”

“I am honored to receive this recognition from NAMM, an organization that is truly dedicated to reminding parents how much children learn and grow from playing music,” said McGrath. “The important message I try to convey throughout all my efforts is that it is never too early to begin playing music with young children.”

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. As the single largest informal educator of young children, local Sesame Street programs produced in countries as diverse as South Africa, Bangladesh and India are making a difference in more than 140 nations. Using proprietary research to create engaging and enriching content, Sesame Workshop produces programs such as Dragon Tales and Pinky Dinky Doo. In addition, multimedia needs-driven initiatives provide families with tools for addressing issues such as children’s health, military deployment and emergency preparedness. As a nonprofit, product proceeds and philanthropic donations support Sesame Workshop’s educational research and creative content for children around the world. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.