Rosenshontz

History

Gary Rosen and Bill Shontz first crossed paths in New York City during the early 1970s, and by 1974 they had formed the folk-influenced duo Rosenshontz. They found some success performing for adults, but their big break came when a children's song they wrote aired on Captain Kangaroo. Shifting their focus to young audiences, the pair relocated to Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1977 and put out their debut album, Tickles You!, in 1980. As their fan base grew, they moved from school gigs to larger family concerts.

Their rendition of "Teddy Bears' Picnic" became their first hit in children's music. By 1983, the duo had reached a level of fame that landed them a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. They released five more albums and several videos, but the recession of the early 1990s caused a drop in bookings, leading them to go their separate ways. Rosen launched a solo career with Tot Rock in 1993, followed by albums in 1996 and 1999. During the Clinton administration, he performed twice at Easter concerts on the White House lawn.

In 2004, Rosen disclosed that he had ALS. He and his family kept touring, including a headlining spot at Boston's First Night. Rosen and Shontz reunited one last time on May 15, 2005, for a fundraiser celebrating Rosen's life. Gary Rosen passed away at his Brattleboro home on April 14, 2007.

Bill Shontz released his first solo album, Animal Tales, in 1993, with additional albums in 1997 and 1998. He is listed on the New England Foundation for the Arts roster, serves as a spokesperson for Earthwatch and Green Up Vermont, and founded the Children's Music Hall of Fame website.