Raffi (Cavoukian)
Raffi Cavoukian was born on July 8, 1948 in Cairo, Egypt. His family immigrated to Canada in 1958. He began his career as a Toronto-based singer/songwriter in 1970 and began performing for young children in 1974. He has written a number of inspirational songs for parents, educators, children’s advocates and children of all ages including Blessed Be, which is a featured on teh video Begin With Love, hosted by Oprah Winfrey, and Counting On You, inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall. Raffi has recorded a total of 13 albums and three concert videos. Sales in North America range from gold to triple platinum and over 12 million units. In 1994, Raffi’s Bananaphone album was a Grammy Award Nominee and the Juno Award Winner for Best Children’s Recording, while 1995’s Raffi Radio was a Paren’s Choice Gold Award winner and Juno Award Nominee. In 1996, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Raffi’s first album, Troubador released The Singable Songs Collection, and was winner of the 1998 Early Childhood News, Director’s Choice Award. Raffi’s Covenant for Honouring Children, a poetic declaration of our responsibilities to children and the Earth, is being circulated widely through child advocacy and environmental health groups.
