We have a collection of 5 arrangements for Traditional - Mary Had a Little Lamb
What nursery rhyme inspired Thomas Edison's first audio recording? Learn!
"Mary Had a Little Lamb" is a popular nursery rhyme with an interesting history and some fun facts:
Authorship: The lyrics were written by Sarah Josepha Hale, an American writer and editor. She is also known for her efforts to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States.
Publication: The poem was first published in 1830 in a book titled "Poems for Children" by Sarah Josepha Hale.
Inspiration: The rhyme is said to have been inspired by a real-life incident. Mary Sawyer, a woman born in 1806, claimed that she had a pet lamb during her childhood. According to her, she took the lamb to school one day, and the teacher confiscated it. John Roulstone, a young man who was visiting the school that day, was so amused by the incident that he wrote the initial lines of the poem.
Musical Adaptation: The poem was later set to music by Lowell Mason in 1830. The musical adaptation helped to popularize the rhyme even more.
First Recording: Thomas Edison made the first recording of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in 1878. This recording is considered one of the earliest examples of recorded sound.
Edison's Favorite: It's worth noting that "Mary Had a Little Lamb" was reportedly Thomas Edison's favorite nursery rhyme. He used the phrase "Mary had a little lamb" to test his invention, the phonograph.
Educational Impact: The rhyme has been used as an educational tool to teach children about language and rhythm. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy for young children to learn and sing along.
International Popularity: The nursery rhyme is known and sung in various languages around the world. Different cultures have their own versions and interpretations of the lyrics.
Cultural References: "Mary Had a Little Lamb" has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including literature, music, and television. It remains a cultural touchstone in the realm of nursery rhymes.
Recognition: In 2008, the town of Sterling, Massachusetts, erected a statue of a lamb in honor of Mary Sawyer and the famous nursery rhyme. The statue is located near the site of the original schoolhouse.
"Mary Had a Little Lamb" continues to be a beloved nursery rhyme, cherished by generations of children and adults alike.