Stars of Kindie Rock

Justin Roberts
Though he and his wife don't have kids, the onetime preschool teacher has an uncanny, utterly respectful feel for the everyday joys, puzzlements and disappointments of being a kid. In "Billy the Bully," about a small girl who stands up to an oppressor, Roberts uses a subtle lyric and a great horn solo to turn the tune into a rather profound portrait that adults can appreciate too. And his infectious harmonies and tight, Elvis Costello[EN]influenced arrangements get stuck in your head and won't leave. Among the hottest requests on the national XM-Sirius show Kids Place Live, Roberts, based in Evanston, Ill., tours 48 weeks a year.

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