Save the Date: It’s a Stone Soul Birthday Party!

Need a great idea for your next birthday party, one that works for pre-schoolers to tweens? Why not anchor your party to a mix of great music that’ll get the kids on their feet, right alongside their delighted parents (and grandparents), groovin’ to sounds from the 50s to the 80s. I’m talking about soul music.


We asked our friend Darnell Greene from the Classic Soul Network to come up with the ultimate kid’s playlist and I have to say—he knocked our socks off. Each pick links to a YouTube file:

1. ABC by The Jackson 5
2. The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens
3. Let’s Twist Again by Chubby Checker
4. Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth
5. Micky’s Monkey by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
6. Double Dutch Bus by Frankie Smith
7. Rockin’ Robin by The Jackson 5
8. I Do by The Marvelows
9. That’s What Love Is Made Of by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
10. The Name Game by Shirley Ellis
11. Shout by The Isley Brothers
12. Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes
13. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugarpie Honey Bunch) by The Four Tops
14. The Love You Save by The Jackson 5
15. Fingertips by Little Stevie Wonder

For party styling, I like the idea of a late 60s to early 70s look, and I found this great “Hippie Chick” look at Birthday In a Box. You can create a dance club atmosphere by hanging ceiling-to-floor streamers on the “dance floor.” Don’t have a disco ball? Cover a beach ball with reflective stickers. The Smiley Face Cake features licorice whip smile and peppermint patty sunglasses.

If you love these soul sounds, you’ll find more great music at the Classic Soul Network, an Internet only radio station that plays Classic Soul from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. As Darnell told us, “It’s more that just a great listening experience. It’s an education.”

Darnell Greene has been in the business for more than 20 years. He’s a member of Sag and Aftra. He has numerous principal credits under his belt including films, television and commercials. His television appearances include Law and Order, One Life to Live, and Welcome to New York.