Teddy Bears Picnic

The Teddy bears picnic as most of you will know is a popular children's song which is now over 100 years old as a piece of music. It remains popular to this day with very young children and I'm sure many of you will remember it from your own childhood.

The Song

The music to this song was first written in 1907 by John W.Bratton an American who was an accomplished composer and producer. Although Bratton usually wrote lyrics himself for his own compositions he did not for this piece of music, instead he sold it as sheet music entitled "the Teddy Bear Two-Step". It sold well and was often used to accompany circus acts. 

The lyrics were added much later by a British songwriter, Jimmy Kennedy in 1930. Renamed "The Teddy Bears picnic", the song rose to fame and has ever since been a firm family favourite.

The music to this song was first written in 1907 by John W.Bratton an American who was an accomplished composer and producer. Although Bratton usually wrote lyrics himself for his own compositions he did not for this piece of music, instead he sold it as sheet music entitled "the Teddy Bear Two-Step". It sold well and was often used to accompany circus acts. 

The lyrics were added much later by a British songwriter, Jimmy Kennedy in 1930. Renamed "The Teddy Bears picnic", the song rose to fame and has ever since been a firm family favourite.

Famous Recordings

One of the first every recordings of the song was in 1908 by the Black Diamond Band.

The first recording of the song with the lyrics was by  Henry Hall and His Orchestra  with the song sung by Val Rosing, who later became Gilbert Russell after he moved to America to try his hand at becoming famous in the film industry Listen to this original song here.

The song has been recorded many times and often by top singers and sometimes actors too. Some of the big names include: 

• Bing Crosby
• Rosemary Clooney
• Jerry Garcia
• Anne Murray 

Anne's version of the song can be heard here along with a video composition of teddy bears having a picnic.

Real Bear Picnics

The song has become so popular world wide that many people have used the concept of a teddy bears pinic as a real day out for all the family. Sometimes in aid of charities, sometimes just for a fun event to help promote a certain attractions. 

But what does a teddy picnic day out consist of?

It seems that there are few rules but generally: 

• Everyone must bring a Teddy bear, preferable one which has been spruced up for the day, although shabby teddy's do get more cake and cuddles.
• A picnic must be brought which should ideally include things which your bear would like to eat too. So cupcakes and honey sandwiches are often high on the list. 
• Teddy related games are usually played such as Hide and seek where you hide your bear and others have to find him. 
• Prizes are given out for the best dressed bear or cutest bear (categories are up to you of course). 

Did You Know 

There is even a special Teddy Bears Picnic day celebrated in the USA every year on July 10. 

I'm not sure how this begun, I suspect a cunning marketing plan somewhere along the line. However it is now a great time to celebrate with our lovable furry friends and family and have a fun day out in the open air with lots of lovely things to eat. 

Let me know of any teddy picnic events happening near you and I will happily promote them here.

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