Magic Penny Award

Dave Kinnoin (2025)

More than five decades ago, Dave Kinnoin began his life’s work to empower children through music when he volunteered to perform an interactive concert at The Jeffrey Foundation in Los Angeles. The kids and Dave really hit it off! Since that day, Dave has devoted his life to writing and performing songs that educate children, enrich their lives and serve as shining examples of character and kindness.

Over the course of his prolific career as a performing artist, music producer, singer, and gifted songwriter, Dave has written over 500 recorded songs. He truly embodies and has earned the moniker “Song Wizard.” Dave has released nine multi-award-winning solo recordings in addition to four “Randy & Dave” and two “Grin Brigade” albums. For decades, Dave has written and produced songs for Disney, The Muppets, Sesame Workshop, DreamWorks Animation and dozens of other family entertainment and educational companies. Kermit the Frog, the Bear in the Big Blue House, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and many more iconic characters have sung and delighted children with Dave’s songs, while numerous video and TV series open with themes that he has created.

Dave Kinnoin is a man of character. The CHARACTER COUNTS! organization was delighted when Dave created and performed school assembly programs representing their framework of ethics education nationwide. Dave’s “CHARACTER COUNTS! Strikes a Chord” album includes songs relating to trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship--core values that Dave exemplifies every day.

It is of no surprise that Dave’s career as a children’s artist/songwriter was launched through an act of his volunteerism. Along with his wife, Mary, Dave is a passionate humanitarian. For 25 years, Dave has donated his time and talent to the Songs of Love Foundation, writing and producing two personalized songs per month for children and teens who are facing tough medical, physical or emotional challenges.

For many years, Dave was the Southern California Coordinator for Pickleberry Pie Hospital Concerts for Kids. Dave has visited hospitals and brightened the days of hundreds of children with his music and gentle spirit. He volunteers at homeless shelters and finds many other meaningful ways to improve the lives of others.

Especially close to Dave’s heart is One Small House, an organization for which he serves as Deputy Director of Mexico Operations. Dave personally raises thousands of dollars every year, and has helped to build dozens of houses, health clinics, orphanages, women’s shelters and other structures in Mexico, Haiti and the U.S.

Dave’s record company, Song Wizard Records, donates a percentage of all proceeds to charities that benefit children. He is keenly aware that children (and everyone) need to be seen, heard, respected and loved to thrive. And, we all need to have some fun! Dave is always ready with a song or a joke to lift the spirits of someone who can use a smile.

For over three decades, Dave has been an integral part of the Children’s Music Network (CMN). Actively involved and respected, he has been a sustaining source of generosity in myriad ways. His popular (and luscious) chocolate chip cookies have brought in thousands of dollars for the organization over the years, and his quiet gifts of support (financial and otherwise) to the membership have left a lasting impact.

Dave works under the radar doing numerous acts of kindness each day, reaching out to those in need, inspiring his music colleagues with positive feedback and mentorship, and writing songs that will forever leave a legacy of masterful songwriting and powerful positive messages. Dave is not only a wizard of song, he is also a beacon of kindness, generosity, and love.

With deep admiration and heartfelt gratitude, the Children’s Music Network proudly presents Dave Kinnoin with the 2025 Magic Penny Award, honoring a lifetime devoted to empowering children and enriching lives through music.

Dave Kinnoin lives in South Pasadena, CA with his wife, Mary, their three cats and a dog, and is a very proud father to their two grown sons, Oliver and Grady.