“My philosophy is that the kids are the stars of the show, not me.” – Jim
For more than 25 years, award-winning kid rocker Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove has delighted audiences throughout North America and Europe with his positivity and an energetic brand of family folk-rock. With nearly 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 audience favorite.
Cosgrove is the author of three books for children, a true-crime memoir for grown-ups, and “Everybody Gets Stinky Feet,” a collection of essays from his time as a parenting columnist for The Kansas City Star. (To learn more about his true-crime book “Ripple,” visit Jim’s author page.)
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 books the shows and manages the business. Their two daughters occasionally pitch in as his road crew. Jim and Jeni co-founded Jiggle Jam, the nation’s largest independent family music festival, 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