50 Facts About The Wiggles

Formation and Early Years

The Wiggles have been entertaining children for over three decades. Let's dive into their fascinating journey from a small band to a global sensation.

1. The Wiggles were formed in 1991 by Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt. Initially, they were a music band for adults but soon transitioned to children's entertainment.
2. The original members were Anthony Field (Blue Wiggle), Murray Cook (Red Wiggle), Greg Page (Yellow Wiggle), and Jeff Fatt (Purple Wiggle).
3. Before forming The Wiggles, Field and Fatt played in the Australian band The Cockroaches. Page was one of the group’s roadies.
4. Anthony Field and Greg Page studied early childhood education at Macquarie University in Sydney, influencing their approach to creating music for young children.

Iconic Music and Shows

The Wiggles' music and TV shows have become a staple in children's entertainment. Their catchy tunes and colorful characters have captivated audiences worldwide.

5. The Wiggles released their self-titled debut album in 1991, featuring songs that became instant classics among young children.
6. The Wiggles are known for their colorful skivvies, which have become a trademark of their image. Each member wears a long-sleeved T-shirt in a different color: blue, red, yellow, and purple.
7. Their music is influenced by various genres, including rock and roll, country, swing, rock, jazz, and folk.
8. The Wiggles’ first TV show, “The Wiggles,” aired in 1998 and became a hit, introducing the group to a global audience.
9. One of their most popular songs is “Hot Potato,” which has kids and parents alike singing and dancing along with The Wiggles.
10. The Wiggles have released over 50 albums, including both original songs and covers of popular children’s classics.

Global Success and Impact

The Wiggles have achieved remarkable success, selling millions of albums and DVDs worldwide. Their live concerts and educational content have left a lasting impact on children and families.

11. They have sold over 23 million DVDs and 7 million CDs worldwide.
12. The Wiggles’ live concerts are known for their high energy and interactive nature, encouraging children to sing, dance, and participate.
13. Their music and shows are developed from the premise that young children have short attention spans and are curious about limited objects and activities.
14. The Wiggles’ content is developmentally appropriate and fun, respecting the audience’s intelligence and insight about entertainment, information, and honesty.
15. The Wiggles have several other characters who are friends with the group, including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus.

Beloved Characters

The Wiggles' characters have become iconic in their own right. Each character brings a unique charm and personality to the group.

16. Dorothy the Dinosaur is a large green dinosaur with yellow spots. She wears a floppy white hat and likes to eat roses.
17. Captain Feathersword is a friendly pirate who wears a coat, hat, eye patch, and a sword made of feathers.
18. Wags the Dog is a tall, brown, furry dog with floppy ears and a happy face. He likes eating and digging in his garden.
19. Henry the Octopus is a fun-loving octopus with purple skin. He wears tartan clothes, a straw hat, and black polished shoes on the end of every tentacle.

Albums and Videos

The Wiggles have an extensive discography that includes some notable albums and videos. Their music has become a part of many children's lives.

20. Some notable albums and videos include Big Red Car (1995), Wake Up Jeff! (1996), Toot Toot! (1998), It’s a Wiggly Wiggly World! (2000), Live: Hot Potatoes! (2005), Go Bananas! (2009), and Let’s Eat (2010).

Breakthrough in the U.S. Market

The Wiggles successfully broke into the U.S. market, expanding their reach and popularity.

21. The Wiggles broke into the U.S. market when clips of their songs were packaged along with the popular Barney & Friends home videos in 1999.
22. From 2001, The Wiggles toured throughout the United States in solo shows, featuring appearances by characters like Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus.
23. The Wiggles’ TV show began appearing in the United States in 2001, adding to the group’s popularity.

Health Issues and Lineup Changes

Over the years, The Wiggles have seen changes in their lineup due to health issues and retirements. Despite these changes, they have continued to entertain and inspire.

24. In 2006, Greg Page, the group’s lead singer, retired for health reasons. He was replaced by Sam Moran.
25. In early 2012, a healthier Page returned as the lead singer. At the end of that year, Page, Cook, and Fatt retired.
26. They were replaced by Emma Watkins as the yellow Wiggle, Simon Pryce as the red Wiggle, and Lachlan Gillespie as the purple Wiggle, with Anthony Field remaining blue.

New Lineup and Continued Success

The revamped band has continued to tour and release music, maintaining their popularity and success.

27. The revamped band continued to tour and release music and videos. Their subsequent albums include Rock & Roll Preschool (2015), Party Time! (2019), and Lullabies with Love (2021).
28. A television show, Ready, Steady, Wiggle, debuted in 2013, and subsequent seasons appeared sporadically.
29. The Wiggles have their own official YouTube channel where fans can enjoy a plethora of Wiggles content, including music videos, episodes, and live performances.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Wiggles have created a lasting legacy in children’s entertainment. Their impact on early childhood development, music appreciation, and family entertainment continues to resonate with fans and industry professionals.

30. The Wiggles have created a lasting legacy in children’s entertainment.
31. The Wiggles are loved by generations. Parents who grew up with The Wiggles are now sharing their fondness for the group with their own children.
32. The members of The Wiggles have been awarded honorary degrees from various universities for their contributions to children’s entertainment.
33. The Wiggles have achieved numerous record-breaking milestones, including selling millions of CDs, DVDs, and videos worldwide.
34. Their live shows are highly interactive, encouraging children to participate in singing, dancing, and other activities.
35. The Wiggles’ content is designed to be both entertaining and educational.
36. The group’s “golden rule” is to make the content of their songs and shows developmentally appropriate and fun.
37. The Wiggles’ music and shows have a significant impact on early childhood development.
38. Decades after their debut, The Wiggles’ songs continue to bring joy and laughter to children around the world.
39. The Wiggles have become cultural icons, beloved by generations of fans.
40. The Wiggles have performed reunion shows in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, bringing back the original members for special performances.

New Members and Diversity

The Wiggles have embraced diversity and inclusion with new members joining the group, bringing fresh energy and perspectives.

41. In 2021, Emma Watkins left The Wiggles, and she was replaced by Tsehay Hawkins, the group’s second woman and its first Black member.
42. Tsehay Hawkins is a 15-year-old dancer who joined The Wiggles in 2022.
43. Emma Watkins was the first female member of The Wiggles, joining the group in 2012.
44. Simon Pryce is the current red Wiggle, joining the group in 2012.
45. Lachlan Gillespie, also known as Lachy, is the current purple Wiggle. He joined The Wiggles in 2012.
46. Anthony Field, also known as the Blue Wiggle, is the only original member still part of The Wiggles.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

The Wiggles have been involved in various philanthropic activities and community engagement, spreading joy and promoting learning through their music and shows.

47. The Wiggles have been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting children’s charities and promoting early childhood education.
48. The Wiggles have a wide range of merchandise available, including toys, clothing, and accessories.
49. The Wiggles have a strong social media presence, with millions of followers across various platforms.
50. The Wiggles are known for their community engagement. They regularly perform at schools, libraries, and other community events.

The Wiggles' Enduring Legacy

The Wiggles have been a cornerstone of children's entertainment for over three decades. From their humble beginnings in Sydney to becoming global icons, they've consistently delivered fun, educational content. Their colorful skivvies, catchy tunes, and beloved characters like Dorothy the Dinosaur and Captain Feathersword have made them household names.

With over 50 albums, countless live shows, and a strong presence on platforms like YouTube, The Wiggles continue to adapt and thrive. Their commitment to early childhood education and interactive performances has created a multi-generational fanbase.

Even with lineup changes, including the addition of Tsehay Hawkins, the group's mission remains the same: to entertain and educate young minds. The Wiggles' legacy is one of joy, learning, and timeless music that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with families worldwide.