“My philosophy is that the kids are the stars of the show, not me.” – Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove
It all started in 1998 with a silly song about a wind-up dinosaur who dances in his underwear. Families fell in love with Bop Bop Dinosaur and asked for more. Following the release of his second album, Stinky Feet, Jim was affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Stinky Feet” by his young adoring fans. Nearly three decades later, Jim has delighted audiences throughout North America and Europe with his positivity and an energetic brand of family folk-rock. With more than 5,000 performances in 38 states and 6 countries (including two appearances at the White House Easter Egg Roll), ten award-winning albums, and millions of Spotify and YouTube streams, he’s become a reliable and memorable audience favorite.
Cosgrove is the author of four books for children, a true-crime memoir for grown-ups (yes, seriously), and “Everybody Gets Stinky Feet,” a collection of essays from his time as a parenting columnist for The Kansas City Star. In 2024, he was voted “Best Local Author” by Kansas City Magazine, and his band, Mr. Stinky Feet & The Hi-Tops, was voted “Best Local Band” by The Johnson County Post.
Jim credits his family for helping him maintain stamina throughout his career. His wife, Jeni, has been his booking agent for the bulk of his career, and she manages all the behind the scenes parts of the family entertainment business. Their two daughters spent years on the road and performing on stage. Now they are grown and occasionally pitch in as social media and marketing consultants. Dobby, their rescued mutt brings new inspirations to songs and books, including Puppy In Love.
Bringing communities together through music is their passion. Together, Jim and Jeni co-founded, Jiggle Jam, which became the nation’s largest independent family music festival running from 2007-2013. In addition to entertaining families and children, Jim is an inspirational speaker who energizes educators and corporate audiences on topics that include creativity, communication, and creating a joy-filled life.
Education
B.A. Journalism, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
M.A. English; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Musical Influences
Woody Guthrie; Pete Seger; Peter, Paul, & Mary; Joni Mitchell; John McCutcheon; Jimmy Buffett; and the musical tastes of seven older siblings and scads of singing nuns throughout 12 years of Catholic education.
Discography –
- Bop Bop Dinosaur (1998 – re-released 2005)
- Stinky Feet (1999 – re-released 2002)
- Ooey Gooey (2000)
- Stinky Feet Live! (DVD – 2001)
- Pick Me! Pick Me! (2003)
- Mr. Stinky Feet’s Christmas (2003)
- Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip (2005)
- Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip Live (DVD – 2007)
- Upside Down (2008)
- Swimming In Noodles (2010)
- Toe Jams: Mr. Stinky Feet’s Greatest Hits (2018)
- Scoops of Love (2023)
Awards –
- “Best Local Author” 2024 – Kansas City Magazine
- “Best Band” 2024 – The Johnson County Post
- “Favorite Entertainer” – Kansas City Parent Magazine
- Two “Gold” – National Parenting Publication Awards
- Eight Parents’ Choice Awards
- Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award – awarded to entire catalog
- Kids Radio Mania Award