Stephen looks back over his life with fond memories and no regrets. When asked what he would change, if he had it all to do over again? Stephen replied 'I would have put more practice time into baseball? No, actually, I can honestly say that I can't imagine changing a thing. All my years with the company, the time spent learning the market, seeing what works and what doesn't, all those experiences have given me the knowledge and opportunity to do what I truly enjoy doing - writing and performing for kids.'
Remembering back to childhood, Stephen shared that he recalls listening to his aunt's 45's and LP's of The Beatles, marveling at the sounds John, Paul, George and Ringo were putting out. 'Ever since then, their music has affected me greatly and even influenced my writing to some degree.' Stephen said.
His favorite sport has always been baseball, since the age of five when he played on his first T-Ball team ['The Sooner Rose Bluejays']. Stephen said he can think back and even picture the ball fields he played on in his youth.
Stephen's Grandfather started Melody House, a children's music publishing company, backin 1972. His mission, when he started this venture was to provide fun and exciting educational children's music for the classroom. Grandpa's first release was 'The Hokey Pokey'. Until recently, this album was the top seller, every year.
Melody House publishes and produces fun and upbeat educational music for the classroom and living room. They also promote a yearly concert tour in which Stephen takes to the road for 45 dates, using the same music children listen to in their classrooms, cars and homes.
Stephen remembers sweeping the floors at Melody House, for fun money, long before he ever went to work there. He began his career with Melody House in 1981; in the warehouse/shipping area. He had no idea at the time, that he would one day begin writing, recording, and performing or children.
After college, Stephen moved into sales and marketing, for Melody House. His travels within this position, along with representing the company at conventions, prepared him for the day when he would be traveling extensively for concerts. Stephen expressed 'It has been a circuitous journey, to say the least.'
Every business and every business person has encountered hurdles of some kind, that they must either overcome, or let overcome them. Stephen shared the following, when asked what the biggest hurdle was that he has had to overcome. 'My biggest struggle has been in making the transition from a business persona to that of children's artist. Being so entrenched in the day-to-day business activities, it was hard to let loose of the reigns. But, I have a great core of employees who have taken over many of the responsibilities I previously held.'
Within Stephen's music and tours, he focuses on children from birth to seven years of age. 'During this period in a child's life, he/she will accumulate a majority of their knowledge and vocabulary. I believe that music plays a vital role in the learning process of each child. Research has also proven that children learn best when they are active, when they are taking part. To that end, I endeavor to write tunes that invite participation.' Stephen said.
He goes on to share 'My most popular cd would have to be Wiggles, Jiggles & Giggles. The reason can be summed up in three words - Herman The Worm. Herman is a story of a worm that has a kind of eating disorder that elicits giggles from children and even adults. He eats a bug, mouse, cat, dog, pig and lastly, a cow, all the while, growing in size. At the very end of the story, he burps everything out and shrinks back. Wiggles also contains a song/rhyme about a man named Joe who works in a Button Factory. Those two cuts alone make the album the favorite amongst kids and teachers.'
Stephen has won a total of 12 awards for his works to date. These include Gobs Of Fun [2] Rock The Day Away [4] Havin' Fun & Feelin' Groovy [2] Wiggles, Jiggles & Giggles [3] and We're Just Like Crayons. The Awards have been presented to Stephen from Family Review Center [1], iParenting Awards [2], Parent's Choice [3], National Parenting Publications [3], Parent's Guide Awards [2] and the Children's Music Web Award.
Stephen shared his most memorable moment as being 'The year we eclipsed the million dollar sales mark. Just to prove it wasn't a fluke, we did it again the following year. That event made us feel that we had arrived as a company.'
When asked what his biggest victory had been, Stephen shared this story with us. 'This is not so much a personal victory as it is an affirmation. It was the year I stepped out onto the stage of the Will Rogers Auditorium in Ft. Worth, Texas to perform in front of 2,800 kids, teachers and parents. It was at that point I knew that what I was doing was worthwhile.'
Stephen and his wife of years Susan, have a 6 year old son named Brandon who just recently graduated from Kindergarten. 'I don't know why Kindergarten graduations are such a big deal in the U.S., but they sure are cute walking across the stage in their caps, holding that diploma.' Stephen shared. 'My grandmother is still with us, and checks up on the business every few months or so. The meetings last just long enough for her to say, 'that's great' followed up by a big "I'm proud of you" grandmother hug.'
Stephen's hero is his father, who passed away in 1987. From him Stephen learned about hard work and dedication to family, and most of all about love and kindness. 'He also gave me some great business advice' Stephen says. 'If at all possible, work for yourself and work at something you truly love.'
When not traveling, Stephen enjoys a little golf. Most of all he enjoys and appreciates his time with his wife and son. When traveling over 100 days a year, those moments together mean a lot.
Stephen's last thoughts, that share his passion to the fullest 'I hear lots of fun stories of how my music and performances touch the lives of children. The ones I love to hear the most are of children who go home after the concert, set up a stage in their family room, grab their toy guitar, put on some music and proudly proclaim to their family, 'Look at me, I'm Stephen Fite.' Hopefully, one or more of those children will be influenced to create music for us one day while working at something they truly love, all because one person was lucky enough to do the same for them.'
More Bio Information is available at the Melody House Website.
You can reach Stephen by Phone at 800/234-9228.
