This evening on Counting On, we watched Johannah Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jordyn Duggar, Josie Duggar, and Mackynzie Duggar record a children's music album, with help from Aunt Deanna Duggar and a Nashville producer. Since filming, the album has been completed and is available for purchase.
The project is a dream come true for Deanna, Jim Bob's only sibling. As a vocalist, she has helped teach her nieces and nephews how to sing and has always desired to record an album. Below are the album purchase links.
Duggar Website ($9.49 download; $14.98 CD)
Spotify (log in to listen for free)
CD Baby ($9.99 download)
Amazon ($9.49 download)
iTunes ($9.90 download)
Album cover is courtesy duggarfamily.com
Are profits from the sales going into trusts for the girls?
ReplyDeleteWhy is this your business?! You and others that are questioning the profits from this album are alluding that Jim-Bob and Michelle would do something underhanded with the money and I would think that after all the years of wise stewardship that these two would be given a little credit and not have comments that imply they are crooks or using their children. So sick of all the hate with these 'anonymous' comments!
DeleteI am one of the people questioning this and I do NOT hate the Duggars, nor do I think they are crooks. I don't think they were rubbing their hands together scheming "let's get even more money out of the girls by selling this album". I just get the feeling they might view income earned by the children as belonging to the whole family. If so, then I'd certainly disagree with that.
DeleteSimply questioning or disagreeing with what the Duggars do is NOT the same as hating them.
Very well said Betty
DeleteI'm interested, but concerned as to where exactly is the money going? The kids did most of the work, they should be getting compensated accordingly. Not just the production studio, their mother and their aunt. This isn't just the kids being filmed doing kid stuff they'd be doing anyway. I'm sure they had fun, but it was obviously hard work, too.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s safe to say the money will be put away for them when they’re older.
DeleteThey would have to pay for the studio. I doubt there will be much money earned,after they pay all the costs.
DeleteI hope so!
DeleteReally? 3.19pm I wouldn't be surprised that they're donating the profits to mission work or a charity they support. They wouldn't share this as they give humbly and in private - whatever they do with profits they'd be sadly criticised or picked apart by concerned members of the public for their motives, it seems some are already doing this. It's none of our business, the Duggars have the liberty to share info or not. Let's bless them & if concerned as to where the profits go, pray God gives them wisdom as to what to do with any profit.
DeleteJohannah looks so much like Joy!
ReplyDeleteAgree!!!
DeleteI completely agree!!!!!!!!
DeleteShe is Joy's twin. They look exactly alike.
DeleteI had a little listen to all the tracks, and it reminded me of concerts at my childrens schools, and while I enjoyed those because I was there for my own kids I really wouldn't ask non family to listen to recordings. I am also sure I heard Michelle singing on one of the tracks, or possibly an older sister or cousin Amy? I certainly won't be downloading it or buying the CD, this is one for the diehard fans i'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI know. My daughter played in band in high school. I bought recordings of their concerts, but they weren't by any stretch anything anyone other than family would want to hear.
DeleteThey sound a lot like a number of other kids' CDs we've gotten for our kids over the years.
DeleteThe targeted audience is probably for children. I don't listen to my nursery rhymes CDs for myself, it's for my kids!
DeleteAnonymous @11:08 AM That wasn't MUCHELLE OR Amy voice that was Mackynzie voice. I'm gong to by it.
DeleteThere sure sounded like an adult female's voice in one of the sample tracks.
DeleteIf Michelle sings on it, her name should be in the credits.
I find this exploitation of these children distasteful. I won't be buying the album.
ReplyDeleteHow is this exploiting the children? They probably had a lot of fun doing this and are proud of it. Settle down!
DeleteIt is ONE album and most likely a ONE TIME experience. Did you think it was exploitation when several Duggar kids were extras in a MOVIE?
DeleteSo you don't tgink2there should be ANY children actors at all right or are you just picking on the Duggars
Delete12:54 I have never heard of a Duggar being an extra in a movie. Do you not known they do not watch tv or movies?
DeleteSome of the Duggars were extras in the movie, Courageous. I think that's the movie. And I'm sure they watched the movie. I own the movie but I can't watch it. It's a good movie but too intense for me.
Delete10:56 - That's not accurate. They watch selected movies, and yes, they did appear in a movie. Some of them were extras in the movie "Courageous." We just watched it the other night!
DeleteYes they were in a Christian movie that someone they knew produced. They also did a voice-over for some Christian cartoon video, IIRC. Yes they watch TV and movies all the time, and have for a long long time. They didn't at first, but then they didn't clarified that for viewers when it changed. We saw large screen TV's show up in everyone's house, and they started posting photos of what they were watching. They were watching a mainstream cable news channel (not the one you'd expect, but another one) on New Year's Eve, which shocked me because of the co-hosts who did the show that night and what they always talked about.
Delete10:56 Courageous Is the movie and if you really watched them you would know this since it was in one of the episodes.
Delete10:56 A few of the girls were extras in the Christian movie, Courageous.
DeleteWhy do they not let the fans Know they watch tv now? I have watched since the first episode. Because of my dedication to my own children I may have missed a few. But they also said women should only wear skirts or dresses and yet some of them wear pants now. So they are quite unpredictable.
DeleteI agree disagreeing does not = hate. But I think they are free to make own decisions & don't owe TV audience explanations. I believe adult kids make their own decisions. If any of Duggars change their minds, I don't mind. They say others are free to believe differently. I wonder why any who don't enjoy their program watches it.
DeleteInteresting; we never saw her teach or sing alone or with her nieces/nephews.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they do a lot of things that we never see.
DeleteI am sure the sales from the album will be handled the same way as all other child singers sales have been handled.
DeleteThere was a brief video. Plus Deanna Duggar may not have wanted too much video before the CD was released.
DeleteBecause we don't see something on their tv show means that it doesn't happen? I think we all know better
DeleteOh! We “all” know better!! However, Aunt Deanna has never be shown, nor has it been discussed her interest in signing, music (with the exception she sang I think with Amy at someone’s wedding) personally or with others.
Delete2:03, no, Deanna is a singer.
DeleteI thought their album would feature more children appropriate hymns. Also, why the National Anthem. Included?
ReplyDeleteA lot of these songs are kids' songs. What did you have in mind?
DeleteI consider 1,4 and 9 songs children would enjoy singing and are written with little ones in mind. The others songs are more serious and mature.
DeleteIf you don't have kids or have them in public schools, they don't say the National anthem anymore. I think it's great and kids should know it
DeleteEisenhower was in office when I started public school. We didn't "say" the National Anthem back then, either. We said the Pledge of Allegiance.
DeleteI find it very sad that people question why the National Anthem would be featured on a children's CD. Maybe because it's a good thing to teach your children to be patriotic? Hmm?
DeleteAll American children should know the words the our national anthem!
DeleteMy kids know the national anthem. So do most the other kids at their public school.
DeleteI don't think anyone was being less than patriotic questioning why the National Anthem was included on the album. It's not exactly a secret that it's a difficult arrangement: unusual rhythm, a tad more archaic vocabulary and awkward phrasing for younger children like Josie (the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming), shifts, and high pitches that the vast majority of people in a any public crowd singing it have trouble hitting, much less sustaining, without straining for the notes. Josie certainly tried like a trooper, but she really had no concept of what she was singing about, as Michelle has to give her both the words and the context in the middle of trying to record it. All of the above concerns over the Anthem have prompted continual debate over whether to scrap it and replace it with another historically time-honored song that would be easier for the people to sing.
DeleteMy kids go to public school and pledge allegence to the flag every morning. They also teach the National Anthem in music class. My kids can sing it without skipping a beat.
Delete:) for 9:06! I remember when the National Anthem was played at midnight or 1am every night, when all 3 TV channels signed off the air for the night. We didn't ever sing it in school, but we knew it from hearing it at patriotic events (oaths of office, parades, 4th of July, etc.) and at ball games.
DeleteMy kids can all four sing the National Anthem. Why are people assuming children do not known the national anthem? They teach it in public schools and since my husband is in the military they also learned it at home by the age of 2.
DeleteI just downloaded... so adorable!🎹🎤🎶
ReplyDeleteLovely! How sweet is their cover and voices! Josie, so cute and super good! May I add, Joy-Anna should do a solo album, she is talented in singing. Thank you on the info.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m sure the other girls are just as cute and just as good.
DeleteAnon 2:07 I am sure ALL the girls tied really hard and ALL did well. It is not appropriate to single out your favorites.
DeleteAre they donating the proceeds to a worthy cause or charity?
ReplyDeleteWould your kid HAVE to donate everything to charity anytime they did something?
DeleteMaybe, maybe not, but I think we are supposed to do good works hidden from other people so that we are really truly doing it for God.
DeleteMost rich and famous parents go to great length to shield their children from the public eye. Not the Duggars, they do the opposite. You have to wonder why.
ReplyDeleteThe Duggars are famous because of the number of children they have. They wouldn't have had specials or a show without putting the kids in the public eye.
DeleteI think to help spread joy and the good news of their faith. If my kids had a CD where they sang sweet songs of praise, I would be so excited to share it!
DeleteThey aren't that famous..
DeleteYes they are
DeleteMaybe I'm weird, but I'd much rather my child sing songs of praise from her heart for God's pleasure than sing the songs over and over until it sounds "just right" to make a CD, then promote it, and sell it (emphasis on "sell it" to others). Worship should be just that, worship. It's not for sale. There are already plenty of quality, Biblically solid Kids Praise CD's flooding the market-there have been thousands since the early 90's. If they just wanted to make this for the fun of it-have at it. If TLC needed something to film, they can check that box off.
DeleteI love it! Praise the Lord for there Bauitieful voices.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Praise the Lord for there Bauitieful voices.
ReplyDeleteI could not listen to that more than once. The clips were plenty. We get the idea. Kids singing. It might be entertaining in a nursing home, but on a CD to own? No thanks.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason to be unkind. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything.
DeleteHaving taught Children's Ministry for years, I love to hear young voices honestly and enthusiastically praising the Lord. I can also understand why others may not-they're not always on pitch, they don't always get the words right, they may have trouble with the rhythm, not always sense the beat and stay with it, "slide" on the change-ups, and run notes together that don't necessarily belong together. ;) Someone who appreciates natural musical talent may not like the album-and that's fine. Someone else may just be enamored with the Duggars or be emotionally invested in Josie because she was a preemie and think the Duggars do not wrong-that's understandable too. They're both entitled to their opinion. Josie is charming and precocious, but she may not be destined to be the next Kari Jobi, Laura Story, Darlene Zschech, or __________[insert fave girl singer]. I wish we all (the Duggars included) could just appreciate Josie and her sisters for what they are-just being little ladies singing, without trying to promote her or them.
DeleteI heard it was nice. Good job kids
ReplyDeleteThey all have amazing voices!!! I love listening to them sing!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have cable and so I only see previews. The girls look different now. So is the one on the right side Jennifer? Is the second from the left MacKynzie?
ReplyDeleteFar Left - Jordan, Jennifer, Josie, MacKenzie, Johanna - Far right.
DeleteL-r Jordan, Jenny, Josie,Kynzie and Hanny
DeleteWhat also disturbs me is that MacKynzie is on the cover along with her aunts. So much for Josh and Anna's kids living a quiet life out of the spotlight. I don't recall her being on the show episode but if she was, is this the first step toward putting all of Josh's kids back on the show? Not that they should be punished for their father's sins, but really not sure if going public again is in their best interest, either.
ReplyDeleteThis has been my point all along--that putting Josh and Anna's kids on television again makes these poot young children, who have done nothing wrong, to all the criticism and hatred that is directed to their parents. In my opinion, it's not good for Josh's children. I am beginning to sense that the Duggar clan only operates as a group and what is good for one is good for all. Individual considerations are not recognized or evaluated.
DeleteBy not including the, you are punishing them. Let go of the past, forgive and allow this family to make their own choices.
DeleteYes, MacKynzie was featured on the show last night. She said she wasn't nervous about singing. We've seen Josh and Anna's kids playing or during social outings (when Marcus hit his head and had to go to the hospital), but this is the most we've seen of MacKynzie since 19KC. Josh and Anna's are also going be on the episode where the family learns the sex of Jinger's baby.
DeleteI'm glad that she was included in this activity with her aunts since they are so close in age. I don't want the kids to feel left if everyone else is being filmed, but I agree with your unease about putting the kids back into the public sphere. I don't think Josh and Anna want to live quietly off camera.
Why not? They’ve done nothing wrong.
DeleteThe Duggar Girls are probably like five peas in a pod. I'm sure Mackynzie would of felt left out if they didn't include her. They did a good job and probably are proud of themselves...Jane
DeleteAnna and Josh's kids don't deserve to be blamed for what their father did, and I don't think anyone would do that. It however would be best to keep them out of the public eye because they will forever be identified as his children, and they don't need that type of attention.
DeleteHaving her face on a CD cover and singing with a group of other girls (and I doubt they're going on a singing tour or anything) is different from being featured on a regular show.
DeleteIt's just a pic and c.d...chill!
DeleteIf they ever show Josh and Anna's faces on the show, I will never watch again.
DeleteI totally get what Anonymous @ 9:17 is saying. It's not about forgiveness vs. unforgiveness. It's not about being judgemental or mean. How are the kids supposed to get past "what their Dad did", if they keep being kind of thrust in front of the camera crew and put out their for the public to comment on? Seriously, their little lives were suddenly changed in an unmistakable way-the upheaval and uprooting of the sudden move back to AK, selling the house and leaving their friends behind. The fact is that Josh and Anna had put down roots- they were making D.C. their home, their life. By Anna'a accounts they'd settled in very well and built a new life of their own with Mom friends for Anna and the children had friends. There were social outings, Anna and the children were busy having adventures exploring their new city, and they had a new Church family for Anna and the kids. It was a ripping away on so many levels, and not just for sweet Anna. There was the whole going to stay for awhile with Anna's parents in FL and then living at the Duggars for months, as opposed to their normal of living in their own home and going for visits at the "Big House" as before. Then, having their Daddy, whom they adored, MIA for months (an eternity to a child) and sensing the awkwardness/sadness of those around them. Mackenzie and Marcus are both sensitive little children-you can see it in their interactions with each other and their extended families. Every time they're shown on TV or featured in a magazine spread, the public remembers what their dad did. It's called infamy and unfortunately it's the fruit of his choices. His children deserve to be protected though. How can they heal, have a stable life if the adults around them continue to court public attention (and a paycheck)? Josh hasn't been helping by repeatedly filing lawsuits either and drawing attention to himself. Those sweet children are going to have to go out into the real world sometime and interact with other people, outside of the carefully engineered, protected social environment their family has created. Then what? I hear Anonymous @ 9:17's heart loud and clear. She's concerned for the children, period. No hate, no judgement for their dad, just worried about them.
DeleteThe children cannot help what their father did. I do not mind seeing them on the show. I will quit watching if Josh is shown.
DeleteIf you were Josh's kid, that would mean by your way of thinking, you would have to live a life of isolation. Maybe her desire is to be famous singer like alot of little girls. So, because of what her dad did, she should have no dreams? Good grief.
DeleteAnon at 10:07AM: From what source did you get this information that Josh and Anna are going to be back on the show? I know they were at the Vuolo gender-reveal party but I also know they were at Josiah's wedding, too and there was no sign of them on the "sneak peek" version of the wedding.
DeleteIf TLC is planning on this then they are taking a big gamble. While I'm sure editing Josh out can be a hassle, and viewers might not mind (or notice) a quick "blink and you miss it" shot of him, if all of a sudden they are shown chatting with the family and being "talking heads" and likely being paid for the appearance, as if nothing had ever happened, then there WILL be a boatload of backlash.
All of Josh & Anna's kids need to be sheltered from the public spotlight until they are old enough to understand what happened. Mackynzie is probably in the dark about everything her father did, which is the way it should be at this point. If she goes out and about to promote this CD, she could hear things. You can't control what someone else says in public. Again, these are ramifications that Josh never thought of, but he is going to have to deal with for the rest of his life. Actions have their effects on everyone.
Delete9:26 - I meant to write Josh and Anna's kids are going to be shown at the gender reveal. The preview shows Marcus running around at the party. Anna may also be shown since she has been on Counting On on and off since the first season. I agree the backlash would be huge if Josh was on the show again.
DeleteUnknown 7:49, You are harsh and unforgiving. The ones personally affected by Josh’s actions have forgiven him. You don’t know them personally right? How were you affected. I think many could be helped to learn what Josh learned in treatment...what happened, how does a man raised in a Christian home make these mistakes, how has Anna moved past it to save her marriage. It’s not a perfect world, people are not perfect.
Delete"How were you affected" asks 6:40.
DeleteThis kind of behavior affects all of society. We shouldn't have to constantly be forgiving everyone. After awhile, "I'm sorry" and "You're forgiven" ring hollow. Everyone shouldn't be doing the things that require forgiveness! You can't continually dismiss bad behavior by saying oh well, the world's not perfect. There have to be consequences for actions.
I'm sure there are other people you don't care to see on TV, and feel no desire to forgive. That doesn't mean you're "harsh and unforgiving." That only means certain things are distasteful to you. We all have our preferences.
If I ever see Josh or Anna on the show again, I will no longer watch or be a fan.
DeleteAnonymous 1:01 “everyone shouldn’t be doing things that require forgiveness” Josh has had great consequences, ones I’m sure many of us can’t even imagine.
DeleteAs far as if there are other people I don’t care to see on tv, I know how to turn the channel.
I think its great that the younger girls wanted to do this. Its sweet. I think all kids should be so enterprising. Btw, its no ones cotton pickin business where the money goes. You either want to support these kids doing what they want or you dont. I will
ReplyDeleteI seriously doubt the girls themselves came up with this idea, the Duggars didn't even claim that on the show episode. They mentioned how Aunt Deanna had wanted to do this for years, so obviously she came up with it and Jim Bob and Michelle agreed. (And that Josh and Anna agreed MacKenzie could be involved, too.) I think the girls themselves had no more say in whether to participate, than they did in being on the TV show.
DeleteAnd considering Derick's claims that he and Jill weren't paid for being on the show, I do understand why people would question if the money earned here will be going to the girls who did most of the work, or just into the general Duggar income stream.
Children gravitate toward their interests and talents, when in a supportive environment. We've never seen or heard that any of the kids have an interest in singing. I think it's pretty clear the children were not the drivers of this project.
DeleteHow do you know it is what they want? Also, all kids should be enterprising!?!? I have a 9 and 6 yr old and they have school, church, extracurricular activities but in no way do I want them to be enterprising. They are KIDS!! It is my husband's and my job to finacially support my kids. They can be "enterprising" once they graduate from college.
DeleteWhite people used to pick cotton too. I did a little google search, and discovered that it started as a reference to the difficulty of the work, not the identity of the person doing the work. Of more concern to me, it's a stand-in for a swear word.
DeleteI seriously doubt this was the kids' idea. Children like to sing but recording an album to sell to the public would never cross their minds. The adults were the driving force behind the album. At that age children are rarely "enterprising".
DeleteJust for the record, I really dislike lemonade. But for years, I always made it a point to buy lemonade from the little girls 1/2 mile down the road. They had a lemonade stand every summer to make money. I figured if they were willing to make the lemonade and their signs, set up their table and man it all day no matter how hot it was, then the least I could do was to buy their lemonade. And yes, I drank it. ;) Years later, it would be my child manning her lemonade and cookies stand at our annual yard sales and I was grateful for every buyer and so was she. As she helped wash, fold, hang, and price all her outgrown toys/books/clothes and helped keep everything straight, she got the proceeds, plus something extra for her things (she often lowered prices on the spot, filled a "free" box so any child could have something, and freely gave away if she felt the person was less fortunate or had a need). Those kinds of things are child-enterprises. Cutting an album your aunt has "always wanted to do with the kids" is not.
DeleteChildren sing for joy not for money. I would understand if the profits were for a mission trip,college fund, or to help less fortunate children.
DeleteLol..the most enterprising idea my kids come up with was a lemonade stand this summer.
DeleteGoing to buy this album now! Love the little kids and miss them so much and JIm Bob and Michelle!
ReplyDeleteSo adorable! I especially like happy heart
ReplyDeleteCute voices, they girls sing so sweet. But it is like a school concert, not something I would consider purchasing. Is there a market for this kind of music? I don't think the Star Spangled Banner should have been included, even though Josie's version was nice.
ReplyDeleteThere is a market for CDs like this. It's not just the kids giving a concert, there are also Bible verses and devotional thoughts that go along with the songs. Many Christian parents like to have edifying CDs like this for their kids to listen to.
DeleteMany kids don't know it. Unless they're taught at home which I highly doubt. I know most kids who don't know the words. Perhaps a patriotic c.d. is in order? To be honest I don't know what songs are on the c.d. but I feel it's a good idea for kids to know it.
DeleteMost kids learn biblical songs in Sunday School and Church. Our churh even has a children's choir. Singing our Lord's music should not be used to make profit but to spread his word in a way children can relate.
DeleteDon't kids learn these songs from Sunday school and vacation bible school? I learned them when I was a child and now my kids are learning them. We enjoy singing them in the car together.
DeleteMany Christian families that sing together make albums and sell them. It isn't anything new. Alot of the families travel, sing and someone preaches. I've bought many such albums. I think the Duggar girls sounds just as good or not better than some of the ones I've heard. It's common and shouldn't be offensive. They did a good job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice surprise! Can't wait to get my CD. I'm glad they included Mackynzie, No doubt she's close to her young aunts. Bless The Duggar Girls...Jane
ReplyDeleteJane, I always appreciate the positivity and kindness in your posts. Thank you!
DeleteI didn’t like Michelle’s voice overs. It was kind of annoying lol
ReplyDeleteThe girls do sound good.
That wasn't Michelle's voice it was mackenzie voice doing the resdings.
DeleteI think it sounded like Michelle.
DeleteThat was absolutely Michelle.
DeleteThat was Michelle. No doubt about it.
DeleteAfter all these year of having children who are all musically talented and even play their own instruments, why are they just now doing an album? Was it to draw attension to the younger Dougars? Just seens strange to me.
ReplyDeleteUnknown: Good point, also it was always the girls shown playing musical instruments never the boys which I also find strange. Did only the girls get musical talent, or is it not thought manly enough of a hobby for a boy to learn an instrument? I think the only two who have genuine musical flare are Jinger and Jana.
DeleteHaving the knowledge and skills to play an instrument isn't the same as having talent for it.
DeleteSeems strange to me to. Wonder if they are trying to peaknmore interest into the younger girls so they can appear on Counting On more regularly.
DeleteThe boys learned to play the violin and piano too. Watch some earlier episodes of the "... and Counting" shows.
DeleteSeeing Josie fighting for her life after she was born, so tiny and fragile and now happily singing on CD looks like a true miracle to me! :)
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand why this project has become such an issue for debate. It's like any other musical CD. You like it or you don’t. You buy it or you don’t.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Kind of ridiculous how so many people can find so many things to criticize. I think it's like a sport to some people.
DeleteYes!
DeleteI have bought the CD on iTunes\
ReplyDelete