Andy Irwin, 53, storyteller, singer, musician, comedian and master whistler recorded his first children’s album, “Andy’s' Wild Amphibian Show". His album won a 2016 Parents’ Choice Awards after his performance at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee, earlier this year.
The Parents’ Choice Award is a nonprofit business, and is designed to recognize children’s media. The program provides recognition for the best material for children in areas such as music, toys, books and storytelling.
“The notice for the award came electronically; it was one of those emails that makes one whoop out loud. Then I realized the responsibility that comes with such an award. It put me in great company, and I knew I had to keep delivering the goods,” Irwin said.
Irwin’s “Andy’s Wild Amphibian Show,” was released in late October in 2015 and is available now for download on Amazon or http://www.andyirwin.com
Tracks on Irwin’s album include stories and songs about the Tooth Fairy, Marine Land, tadpoles, training bullfrogs, and a nagging sister.
Irwin said he first got the frog idea from his family’s visit to Marine Land. Watching a woman train dolphins, Irwin thought it would be a good idea to collect tadpoles to train with the help of his childhood friend Johnny. It grew from there.
Storyteller from the beginning
Born and raised in Covington, Irwin has always had a passion for working with children and being a musician.
Irwin first started working with children when he became a camp counselor at Glisson Camp in Dahlonega. “I’ve always been that guy that gets bored at a family reunion, I’d rather play and have fun with kids”, Irwin said.
Around the age of 11 Irwin was introduced into music when his choir director Pat Haymour gave him a solo in the church’s choir, singing a soprano solo in “Shepard What is Happening”. Ever since, he said, his life was changed and he knew he wanted to pursue singing.
Irwin later joined his high school’s chorus. Susan Merritt, Newton County Comprehensive High School’s director, was also a source inspiration for Irwin.
“She helped me know that my ideas were amazing and, if I set my mind to it, anything is possible,” Irwin says of Merritt.
Irwin says such famous comedians like the Smother Brothers, Bill Cosby, George Burns and Gracie Allen taught him that he could be a musician and a comedian at the same time.
As a performer, Irwin prefers to work alone. He feels he can make things function a whole lot better if it is just him. He likes to be his own director rather having someone else tell him what he should or should not put into his work.
In the Industry of Joy
“I like to make kids laugh,” he said. “I enjoy seeing their happiness. When they laugh I know I am doing something right.”
Irwin said he does things that are good for the people and good for the soul.
When it comes to children, Irwin had no problem with going back to his kiddie ways.
Irwin enjoys putting smiles on both the children’s faces and the parents. According to Irwin, “I love my career and what it has become. I remember what it is like to be a kid and I loved it. I respect children and their worth. If we respect kids then they’ll respect us, kids have things to teach us, too”.
Irwin’s new children’s album that he is working on will be called “Squeaky on the Roof”. The album will be released in late September.
Irwin’s advice to anyone that wants to follow in his footsteps is, “Most people tend to think their ideas are invalid, but what they don’t realize is, if they think it is cool and worthwhile putting thought into, then their idea is valid.”
