The Wiggles are an Australian pop band that perform children's music and teach social lessons to its preschool audience. After growing in popularity in the United States, the Disney Channel added the television show to the Playhouse Disney lineup in 2002. The group has toured extensively, selling out the Madison Square Garden 12 times and performing more than 200 concerts annually. The San Diego Citybeat cites The Wiggles as being "the world's biggest preschool band."
This page will give you some general information about the Wiggles. However, if you are looking for party ideas, check out How to Plan a Wiggles Theme Party.
Background
Several members of the Wiggles, Anthony Field and Jeff Fatt were members of an Australian band called The Cockroaches in the 1980's. Due to the SIDS related death of band member Paul Field, Anthony Field's cousin, the band broke up. After that, Anthony Field went on to Macquarie University to become a preschool teacher. Once there, he met Murray Cook, a former member of several bands including Finger Guns and Bang Shang a Lang, and Greg Page.
As one of their class assignments, they decided to make a video to help children learn through music and dance. Anthony Field enlisted his former band mate Jeff Fatt for keyboards. Once the band was formed, they used to play at preschools and shopping malls since that was their target audience, while continueing their teaching careers.
Disney discovered The Wiggles in 1998 and showcased them on the Disney Channel and in Disneyland where Lyric Studios, producers of Barney and Friends noticed them. They were then picked up and distributed by Lyric Studios where they became a national sensation with toddlers and parents.
They continue to incorporate music, learning, and child development theory in their television show and in their music.
Current Cast Information
- Sam Moran wears yellow and sings lead vocals
- Murray Cook wears red and plays guitar
- Jeff Fatt wears purple and plays keyboard
- Anthony Field wears blue and plays drums
Sam Moran replaced Greg Page in 2006 after Page was forced to retire due to health issues. According to other internet sources, Greg's health is doing better. However, do not confuse him with the former heavyweight champion Greg Page, who died in early 2009.
Featured Video Song
This is a favorite tune for many preschoolers. Adults have fun with it too. Learning all of the different stanzas can be an interesting challenge for kids.
Featured Interview
This is an interview with the Wiggles after they joined the Sprout Channel programing. The interviewer asks about their origins, the inspiration for their music, and what music they like to listen to.
Recent Wiggles DVD Titles
Hot Potato: Best of the Wiggles Release date: July 13, 2010
The Wiggles: Hot, Poppin' Popcorn (2010)
The Wiggles:The Big Big Show (2009)
The Wiggles: Go Bananas (2009)
The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2008)
The Wiggles: Pop Goes the Wiggles (2008)
The Wiggles: Sing a Song of Wiggles (2008)
The Wiggles: Wiggle Time (2007)
The Wiggles: Yummy Yummy (2007)
The Wiggles: Here Comes the Big Red Car (2007)
The Wiggles: Top of the Tots (2007)
The Wiggles: Wiggly Safari (2007)
The Wiggles Fan Sites, Blogs and Message Boards
The Wiggles: Message Board | Fan Club
Google Blog Search: The Wiggles
TV Squad: The Yellow Wiggle Says Good-bye
TV.com: The Wiggles Blog
References
Fast Facts
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Network
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Current season
Seven
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First aired
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Years active
1991-present
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Starring
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Fact:
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Awards
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Fact:
November 1 was declared "Wiggles Day" in New York City
