They had such enormous fun: Sharon & Bram bid farewell with final tour

Little Rabbit Foo Foo.I Am Slowly Going Crazy.Skinnamarink.ManyCanadians have grown up with the music of and have a favourite tune by Sharon, Lois and Bram.

SharonHampson,LoisLilienstein andBramMorrisondebuted as a kids' entertainment trio in 1978 and quickly became household names for theirvibrant, catchy, internationally inspired music for children and families.

Now, 40 years after they first joined forces with the late Lilienstein, Hampsonand Morrisonare hitting the road one final time.They're not hanging things up completely: there's fresh music and a new book scheduled for release in 2019. But for the septuagenarian musical duo,it's time to bid farewell to touring.

The pair took some time out from their latest slate of gigs, including a sold-out benefit concert bringing them back to the site of their first major show Toronto's Young People's Theatre to reminisce about their rise as children'sentertainers, changing times and paying tribute to their late colleague Lilienstein.

First-time jitters

Hampson, Lilienstein and Morrison met as separate participants in Ontario's Mariposa in the Schools art program. They formed a bond based on their similar philosophy about the importance of music education. In 1978, they scrabbled together $20,000 to record and release their debut album, One Elephant, Deux lphants which was an instant success and scheduled their first concertat Young People's Theatre for late that September.

Describe your first live performance onstage.

6 years ago

Duration 1:17

Sharon and Bram recall their first live performance as kids' trio Sharon, Lois and Bram.

Long-lasting appeal

It's rare to have performers who can draw devoted crowds and continue to attract new fans four decades on. But there are a few simple reasons why Morrison andHampsonbelieve they have done just that.

Why do you think you've lasted this long?

6 years ago

Duration 1:29

Sharon and Bram on how answering the 'natural' desire to sing aloud, engaging all ages and musicianship have contributed to their longevity.

About certain rival entertainers

With more than 20 recordings and two long-runningTV shows under their belts, Sharon, Lois and Bramwere major players on the kids' entertainment scene so much so that Morrison recalls they were once ranked by TV Guide among the top performers for children (coming second only to Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood).

But alongside respected peers like Rogers and Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup), the trio have seen some not-so-esteemed rivals come in and out of favour over the years.

What do you think about kids' entertainment today?

6 years ago

Duration 1:11

Bram throws some shade on childrens' entertainers making 'simple-minded' music.

Paying tribute to Lois

Though Lilienstein, who died in 2015, hadstepped aside from performing live with Hampson and Morrison back in 2000, shecontinues to be missed, they said.

For a special benefit show this weekend, aimed at raising funds for Young People's Theatre, the duo has planned a special moment to honour their cherishedbandmate.

How are you remembering Lois on this farewell tour?

6 years ago

Duration 1:08

Sharon and Bram share the special tribute they've planned to honour their late friend Lois Lilienstein.

Never gets old

After so many years playing concerts throughout Canada and the U.S.sometimes staging multiple shows a day it's understandable for any performer to want a break from his or her most-repeated songs. But there's one track, Hampson says, she'll never tire of singing.

What's your favourite song to perform?

6 years ago

Duration 0:25

Sharon and Bram disclose the song they never tire of even after 40 years of performing live.

A trip down memory lane

Album sales that have surpassedthree million copies worldwide.Gigs that ranged from selling outToronto's historic Massey Hall on consecutive nightsto playing at the White House. Accolades that includegold and platinum records, Juno Awards andthe Order of Canada. Hampson and Morrisontake a nostalgic look back at career milestones, favourite concert venues and vibrant fashions through books, photos and more.

Sharon and Bram dive into their archives

6 years ago

Duration 2:08

The beloved kids' entertainers bring CBC's Tashauna Reid on a trip down memory lane.