Armenian-Canadian ‘Baby Beluga’ Singer Raffi Celebrates 50 Years of Children’s Music
Armenian-Canadian singer Raffi Cavoukian, whose songs have entertained generations of children across North America, is celebrating 50 years in music with a new album centered on love, kindness and the importance of protecting children everywhere.
The 78-year-old musician, best known for classics such as “Baby Beluga,” “Down by the Bay” and “Bananaphone,” is releasing “Love is Everywhere” on Friday, October 23. The album comes as he marks half a century since the release of his first children's record, which launched one of the most successful careers in family entertainment.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, to Armenian parents, Raffi moved to Canada with his family as a teenager. His career began in folk music before he found his audience among young children.
In 1976, he released “Singable Songs for the Very Young,” personally delivering copies to record stores around Toronto in hopes of finding buyers. The album gradually gained a following, and the release of “Baby Beluga” in 1980 made him a household name.
Today, his songs remain popular with parents, teachers and children, many of whom are discovering his music through YouTube and streaming platforms rather than the records and cassette tapes of earlier generations.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Raffi reflected on his 50-year career, the changing music industry and his commitment to creating songs that respect children's intelligence.
“Well, the technology changes; children don’t,” he told the AP from his home in western Canada.
His new album includes “No One Like You,” a song celebrating individuality, and “ABC Democracy,” which introduces children to voting and civic responsibility. Raffi told the AP he wrote the latter to encourage conversations between parents and children about democracy.
The album also reflects his concerns about the world children are growing up in.
“The theme of the album is the power of love,” he said in the AP interview, describing the project as a response to the anxiety and uncertainty many families are experiencing.
Raffi has long used his public platform to advocate for children's rights and environmental protection. He has also spoken out against the commercialization of childhood, refusing business opportunities that would involve marketing products directly to young audiences.
Among the offers he rejected was a proposed “Baby Beluga” film from the producers of “Shrek.” Raffi told the AP he declined after learning that the movie would be promoted through fast-food restaurants, a marketing approach he considers inappropriate for children.
His advocacy has also brought him into conversations about current political and humanitarian issues. Raffi has publicly supported children's entertainer Ms. Rachel, who has faced criticism for speaking out about the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza.
He told the AP that the two share a belief that every child deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive, regardless of nationality.
Despite five decades in the industry, Raffi says his approach to making music has changed little. He continues to write songs that children can understand, enjoy and sing along with, while encouraging adults to take their intelligence and curiosity seriously.
He also remains surprised by the lasting popularity of his work. Parents still tell him that “Baby Beluga,” released 46 years ago, is the one song that can calm their children.
Alongside his new album, Raffi is preparing a special November 13 reissue of “Singable Songs for the Very Young” to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
For a musician who began by carrying boxes of records through Toronto, the anniversary is a remarkable journey. Fifty years later, Raffi's songs continue to connect generations of families, and the Armenian-Canadian artist has no plans to stop making music.
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