YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, is set to release her debut album, the 23-track “I'm So Happy,” on Sept. 25. The album aims to foster bonding between parents and children through music, a core element of Ms. Rachel's educational approach.
Ms. Rachel launched her YouTube channel in 2019 with her husband, Aron Accurso, also known as “Mr. Aron.” As a music educator, she emphasizes the importance of exposing children to diverse instruments and musical styles. The album includes songs like “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum,” featuring a real clarinet, and “I Could Be Your Friend,” which offers children a script for developing social skills. Accurso stated that the album is designed to be inclusive, considering children of all abilities, including those who are autistic.
The album showcases a variety of genres, with the single “I Love a Rainbow” presented in a bossa nova style and a rendition of “Old McDonald” leaning towards bluegrass. Aron Accurso, who co-produced the album with Grammy winner Scott Riesett, described the process of expanding and elevating fan-favorite songs from the show with new arrangements.
“Music is at the heart of our show,” Aron Accurso said. “And so, we’ve always wanted to release the music and have families experience the music away from the screen.” He added that the team hopes the album will inspire “living room dance parties.”
Beyond her musical endeavors, Ms. Rachel has utilized her social media presence to advocate for humanitarian causes, including the plight of children in Gaza and those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She has also commented on notable cases, such as the death of Nolan Wells in Mississippi, highlighting concerns about justice and racial equity. Ms. Rachel views her advocacy as an extension of her commitment to children's rights, stating, “I view myself as an advocate for children’s rights so anytime they’re being violated by anyone anywhere, I want to be speaking out.” She believes that it is positive if the album brings attention to her advocacy work and vice versa.