120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 1

Ryan Dosier - For a long while now I've wanted to write up an article celebrating Muppet music but I've always been held back by the enormous scope of the Muppets repertoire. From Sam and Friends to the present, the Muppets have performed countless songs. It's truly dumbfounding to think about how many musical performances have occurred on The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and the many Muppet movies and specials in almost 60 years. How do you narrow it down? Where do you start? Can you even fathom ranking them? The answers I came up with: Slowly, the beginning of the alphabet, and no.

So I went through my iTunes library (which, admittedly, doesn't have everything the Muppets have ever sang) and picked out 120 of my personal favorite songs performed by the Muppets. I put them all into a playlist and shuffled it, to organize them completely randomly. And now I present, with my own added commentary, 120 Awesome Muppet Songs, presented in eight separate articles highlighting 15 songs at a time--in no specific and entirely random order.

1.   "Somebody Come and Play" from Sesame Street
It's hard to argue with a song as fun and happy as "Somebody Come and Play" being the first one on the list. A wonderful tune by Joe Raposo, this song as been performed multiple times in Sesame Street's 43 years. Some favorite versions of the song include Ernie (see link above), Elmo and Whoopi Goldberg, Bob from the album Bob's Favorite Street Songs, and, of course, Joe Raposo himself. If I had to pick a favorite, though, it would be Ernie's version. He sings with such longing for someone to play with but remains his perfectly goofy self. Who among us hasn't been there, just wanting someone to play with? Favorite lyrics: "Somebody come with me and see the pleasure in the wind/Somebody come before it gets too late to begin."
2.   "Can You Picture That?" from The Muppet Movie
Rock on, man! In my book, you absolutely, unequivocally cannot beat this Electric Mayhem staple. There will probably never be a song that rocks harder or better suits Dr. Teeth and the rest of the band. Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher outdid themselves with this number. Every line is perfectly suited to each member of the Electric Mayhem that sings it. And Animal's shouts and Zoot's silence fits them perfectly as well. They may not look like Presbyterians, but the Electric Mayhem proved that they sure can rock a church. Favorite lyrics: "I lost my heart in Texas, Northern Lights effect us/I keep it underneath my hat/Aurora Borealis shinin' down on Dallas/Can you picture that?"
3.   "Bein' Green" from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show
Is there any need for explanation on this one? "Bein' Green" is everything the Muppets represent: loving yourself and being yourself no matter what. How appropriate that Kermit, who also represents everything the Muppets are, sings this beautiful Joe Raposo tune. Of course, Kermit isn't the only one to tackle the song. Ray Charles' version (as seen in Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting) is exceptionally beautiful as well and Big Bird's version (from Jim Henson's memorial service) is unbelievably sad and perfect. But, c'mon, no one does it better than Kermit... and Jim Henson, of course. Jim sang the song like no one ever will. It is straight from the soul. There was no distinction between Jim and Kermit when "Bein' Green" was performed. It was just naturally beautiful perfection. Favorite lyrics: "I'm green, and it'll do fine/It's beautiful and I think it's what I wanna be."
4.   "Mahna Mahna" from The Muppet Show
Doo do doo do doo! Sorry... force of habit. Really, though, anytime someone says the words "Mahna Mahna" and I hear it, I have to respond in the only logical way. First performed by the Muppets on The Ed Sullivan Show and later on Sesame Street, the greatest version by far (in my opinion at least) was performed on the first episode of The Muppet Show. It is an enduring and undying classic performed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. What Jim did with this odd little song is unbelievable and shows, once again, how he could take something weird and make it perfect. The character of Mahna Mahna also speaks to Jim's personality. The character's sense of pure joy when scatting is a thing of true beauty. Favorite lyrics: "Mahna Mahna!!"
5.   "I'm Gonna Always Love You" from The Muppets Take Manhattan
Ah, the first appearance of the Muppet Babies. This appearance alone would spawn the Muppet Babies TV series, tons of merchandise, and loads of casual-fan confusion about the characters. But that's okay, because it's a fantastic song. Jeff Moss (known mostly for his Sesame Street songs) scribed this fun little ditty. You've gotta love the baby voices Jim, Frank, Richard, and Dave created for the Muppets. It's really, really hard not to love this song. It's also really, really hard (maybe impossible) not to find it cute when a little boy sings it while playing ukulele at a school talent show. Favorite lyrics: "Gonna be a movie star, and I'm gonna learn to drive a car/Gonna be a veterinarian too, and I'm gonna always love you!"
6.   "Keep Christmas With You (All Through the Year)" from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
The first of two Christmas Eve on Sesame Street songs in this week's list (blame iTunes), and my favorite Christmas song of all time. I can't get enough of this gorgeous song written by Sam Pottle and David Axlerod for the special. Olivia and Bob hit all the right notes but everyone sings gorgeously--which isn't a surprise at all. It's a crying shame that this isn't a perennial classic for the rest of the (non-Muppet obsessed) world at Christmas time, because it absolutely should be. My favorite version of the song comes from the album Merry Christmas from Sesame Street!, which features the entire cast, including Muppets. It's gorgeous and if you don't already have a downloaded version... find one and thank me later. Favorite lyrics: "Christmas means the season of giving/Peace and joy to you/The goodness of loving, the gladness of living/These are Christmas, too."

7.   "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear" from The Muppet Show
Originally seeming like the punchline to a bad joke on the first episode of The Muppet Show, this song by Randy Newman (of all people) has fantastic lasting appeal. Richard Hunt's dynamic vocals as Scooter are perfect in this snappy, funny song. Fozzie's interjections throughout the song (and hysterical interpretation of what a dancing bear does) make it a true Muppet classic, however. Without Frank Oz's knack for hilarious line-delivery, this song would not be nearly as great. I also adore the version that Frank and Richard performed at Jim Henson's memorial service. It showcases the love and friendship between them that we rarely get to see. Favorite lyrics: "I may go out tomorrow if I can borrow a coat to wear/Oh, I'd step out in style with my sincere smile and my dancing bear!"
8.   "The Magic Store" from The Muppet Movie
Another obvious inclusion in the list. The finale from The Muppet Movie features some of the most quotable lyrics about entertainment and working your way to the top. The film could have easily ended with Orson Welles signing Kermit the Frog and Company to the standard rich and famous contract, but the inclusion of this song makes the movie perfect. Everyone comes together to make a movie about the movie we just saw... and sing this great song My favorite lyrics are probably everyone's favorite lyrics... "Life's like a movie, write your own ending/Keep believing, keep pretending."
9.   "The Rhyming Song" from The Muppet Show
Oh my gosh I love this song. Performed by Fozzie, Scooter, Link Hogthrob, and Annie Sue, this complete nonsense song is hilarious and perfectly weird. Did you know that it was written by Frank Oz? Because it was! What a perfect selection of characters to sing this as well. Scooter is usually so organized but now he can't even keep the rhyming lyrics together. Fozzie gets frustrated with everyone. Link whines and moans. Annie Sue tries to keeep things positive. It's wonderful. Favorite lyrics: "The stars are twinkling in the sky/The rhyming song, the rhyming song/There's no hot water in my hotel/The rhyming song."
10. "True Blue Miracle" from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
The second Christmas Eve on Sesame Street song on today's list is this truly marvelous piece written by Carol hall. The song speaks of the wonder of the Christmas season and how everything and everyone seems to come together in beauty and joy. The song represents Sesame Street Christmases perfectly. And if that isn't a true blue miracle, I don't know what one is. Favorite lyrics: "But the greatest wonder of them all is not what's happening around you, it's the way you start to lead/Yes, the greatest wonder of them all is how your heart is filled with love, you start to light up like a Christmas tree."

11. "Never Before, Never Again" from The Muppet Movie
Miss Piggy's greatest number is written by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher. It not only speaks true to her unbridled passion for Kermit, but it is also just a fantastic love song. The subsequent fantasy sequence starring Kermit and Piggy features some of the greatest puppetry and funniest visuals that the couple has ever experienced. But the reason these things work is because of the fantastic lyrics and music placed on top of them. Miss Piggy deserves another song this great soon... and not another "Me Party." Favorite lyrics: "And where to find the words to sing its worth?/This love was bound for heaven, not for earth/This love was meant to light the stars/But when we touched, we made it ours."
12. "It Feels Good When You Sing a Song" from Sesame Street
This may not be Sesame Street's most well known song (or even in the top 20), but it is one of my personal favorites, again by Sam Pottle. Originally performed by Olivia and David back in the early days of the show, my favorite version of the song is the one linked to above featuring Hoots the Owl and John Legend from Season 37. They jazz it up and make the song even more exciting and fun. Favorite lyrics: "It can't be bad, even if it's sad/Sing it loud, sing it strong/It feels good when you sing a song."
13. "Wonderful Me" from Sesame Street
Written by Sam Pottle and Tony Geiss, "Wonderful Me" is a fantastic anthem sung by Big Bird explaining how much he loves being himself. He sings about all the wonderful things about him--his feathers, his ability to read, etc. It's a great declaration of happiness for kids (and kids at heart) everywhere. Oddly enough, there's also an Oscar the Grouch song called "Wonderful Me"... but it isn't as well written as this one. Favorite lyrics: "Who is at home when I sit in my nest? Me!/Who wears no clothes but is beautifully dressed? Me!" (Forgive the weird video above. Just listen to the song.)
14. "Perfect Harmony" from Fraggle Rock
One of Marjory the Trash Heap's best numbers (And our only Fraggle Rock song in today's list? Dumb iTunes.), "Perfect Harmony" is a wonderful blend of Jerry Nelson's amazing vocals and music and lyrics by Phil Balsam and Dennis Lee. Marjory sings of her dream of a world where Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorgs can get along in perfect harmony. The song is from the episode "The Great Radish Famine" and also features a few lyrics by Mokey Fraggle, Junior Gorg, and Flange Doozer. Favorite lyrics: "I can almost see a world of harmony/Music in the air, friendship everywhere/Ties of love uniting you and me." (Again, excuse the weird video.)
15. "Share it Maybe" from YouTube
Cookie Monster's summer 2012 classic parodying the ear-candy tune "Call Me Maybe" quickly became one of my favorite Cookie Monster songs. David Rudman's vocals are fantastic here, making me think that he really needs more opportunity to sing as Cookie. I adore the goofy lyric parodies (written by Joey Mazzarino) that Cookie sings, referencing snickerdoodles, Girl Scouts, and Betty Crocker. The video is awesome, the song is great, and the parody aspect is perfection. Favorite lyrics: "You took you time with the bite/Me trying to stay polite/Me start to really freak out/Please someone call the Girl Scout/Me no grumble or grouse/This take its toll on me house/Me going off me rocker/Please feed me Betty Crocker!"

Well, there you have it! Our first 15 of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs! What is your favorite one from this list, Muppet fans? Tune in next week for 15 more songs and get ready to jam!





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Other Christmas Productions Muppet Fans Love

Yesterday we showcased how much Muppet fans adore the 1987 special A Muppet Family Christmas. And of course they have every reason to love it, because it's awesome. But today we'll show off the other responses we got to the question "What is your favorite Muppet Christmas production?"

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
"My favorite Muppet Christmas special is definitely Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Rather than a bunch of lights and tinsel, it takes place in a tiny little country town. It's so un-Christmasy, but the message of warmth and heart is still present. It truly is a reminder of what Christmas is really all about, and done so through a bunch of wonderful songs, a colorful cast of characters, and an all around awesome storyline." ~ Hubert A.

"Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas times infinity." ~ Brian Heck

"Emmet Otter. Why? It's Emmet Otter! And also Christmas Branch! Paul Williams songs! Barbeque! Jumping ferrets! Riverbottom Nightmare Band! And it has a singing frog in it who is not Kermit!" ~ Craig C.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

"My all-time favorite is definitely Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. As funny and entertaining as the special is, it's the lessons of selflessness, trust, and peace that resonate most with me. I think I've cried each and every time I've watched it. This is Sesame Street at it's zenith. When I first heard the cast sing 'Keep Christmas with You All Through the Year' I took it to heart. To this day, I still sign all my Christmas cards with that sentiment. This song is like a prayer of peace for the world. When I think of the reason for my undying love of Muppets and Jim Henson's work, it's this special that comes to mind first. A truly remarkable show." ~ Bruce Aguilar

"My favorite is Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. I grew up with a copy my parents taped off of PBS and nearly wore it out--I'd even watch it in the middle of summer, keeping true to the message of 'Keep Christmas with you all through the year.' I also love that the mystery of Santa Claus is left a mystery. I think this is probably Carroll's best work as Big Bird, aside from Mr. Hooper's death." ~ Beth Kondrick

"My favorite is Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. It is such a classic that everybody loves (and if they don't, they're crazy). My favorite parts are the ice skating bit at the beginning, specifically when Oscar gets thrown down those stairs. I also love Kermit's brief part. Ahh... classic Jim Henson moment. My favorite songs from that are 'Keep Christmas with You,' 'True Blue Miracle,' and 'I Hate Christmas.' Oh, but I can't forget 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' with Bert and Ernie. So SWEET!! I watch this movie every single Christmas." ~ Anonymous

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

"It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is a great made-for-TV movie. It came out at a time when it looked like the Muppets were losing popularity aside from nostalgiac value. I like all the pop culture references and more adult jokes. 'Everyone Matters' is a really good number. And best of all I like the fact that this is the first Muppet movie to take place at the Muppet theater." ~ Michael Wermuth, Jr.

The Christmas Toy

"My favorite would have to be The Christmas Toy. I've seen the movie every year since I can remember. My copy for the longest time was recorded off the TV and still had all the old 80's commercials on it, which made it even better. I did have to upgrade eventually when it came out on DVD and now I don't have to find a working VHS player to watch it. It's really not Christmas for me without a little Rugby Tiger." ~ Jennifer

John Denver & The Muppes: A Christmas Together (album and special)

"I'd say the John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together special/album combo. It truly is the best of both worlds... the special shows how good John Denver is as an all-around entertainer, and also how touching the Muppets can be without overdoing the schmaltz. The album is carefully crafted, musically and... well, just listen to 'Deck the Halls,' and you can tell that the writers spent time matching each Muppet to a line that represented them. It's no accident that Gonzo sings, 'TROLL the ancient Yule tide carol!'" ~ Bryan Snyder

The Muppet Christmas Carol 

"Honestly, I don't have a favorite Muppet Christmas production. Christmas is my favorite time with the Muppets and I lose myself in every one of their magical productions every December. However, this December one production really stood out to me, and that is The Muppet Christmas Carol. Perhaps it was the Blu-ray release that renewed my appreciation for the film, but I've never loved it more than this year. It is such a beautiful movie with so much in it. It represents not just what the Muppets can do, but it shows that they would continue to thrive after the loss of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt. Jerry Juhl's brilliant melding of Dickensian prose and Muppet lunacy makes for a perfect Christmas movie, in my opinion. Plus, this year it takes on added beauty as we remember Jerry Nelson, who plays both Tiny Tim (Robin) and the Ghost of Christmas Present so incredibly wonderfully. However... it will always be Gonzo and Rizzo that define brilliantly why I love this movie. 'Hoity-toity, mister god-like smarty pants!'" ~ Ryan Dosier

Finally, we close with some fun Christmas artwork from our friend Nickyle Edwards!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Muppet Retro Reviews: Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

Ryan Dosier - Of all the Christmas specials produced by Sesame Street in its 43 years, none stands out to me more than 1978's enduring and endearing classic Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. It has all the best aspects of Sesame Street in the 70s--the Muppets, the humans, the Muppet-kid moments, Mr. Hooper, Kermit--combined with all of the Christmas joy and charm rivaling any and all Christmas specials. The special, written by Jon Stone and Joe Bailey and directed by Jon Stone, is Sesame Street at its greatest. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street is funny, heartwarming, intelligent, beautiful, and you might just learn something.

The main storyline of the special follows Big Bird as he tries to find out how Santa Claus ("who's built like a dump truck") gets down the skinny little chimneys. This story is sprung to life by Oscar the Grouch, who puts this burning question in Big Bird's mind just to be mean. Big Bird and a little girl named Patty set off to figure out how Santa gets down the chimneys before it's too late and Christmas comes without presents. With the help of Kermit the Frog, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and Grover, Big Bird and Patty do all they can to find out how Santa can get down the chimney.

That main story (the "Street story" of the special, if you will) is supplemented by some other side stories which are equally as charming. First, there's the entire Sesame gang ice skating with some kids (including some very odd full-body costumes of Ernie, Bert, Count, and Cookie Monster), then Linda teaches the kids how to sign "Keep Christmas With You" to surprise Bob, Cookie Monster tries to write a letter to Santa (but ends up eating the pencil, typewriter, and telephone), and, of course, Bert and Ernie recreate "The Gift of the Magi" with Mr. Hooper, Rubber Duckie, and paper clips.

The music in Christmas Eve on Sesame Street is some of the best penned for the show, period. From the beautiful "True Blue Miracle" that the cast sings on the way home from the ice rink, to the "aww" inducing "Keep Christmas With You," these original songs are Christmas staples for me every year. There's also Oscar's "I Hate Christmas," the perfectly grouchy carol for the perfectly grouchy grouch. (Plus Mr. Hooper makes the face in the picture at right.) Then of course there's the perfect rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" sung by Bert and Ernie. I will always assert that the song has never been performed better than it was by Jim Henson and Frank Oz for this special.

In my opinion, it's incredibly hard to top this special in terms of charm, beauty, humor, and fun. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street hits every note and hits it perfectly. Big Bird's undying quest to get Santa down the chimney is the perfect example of the Bird's dedication. Kermit's brief role is charming and funny... "Let's look at this from another angle" cracks me up every time. Then there's Grover talking to the kids about how Santa does it and his reactions to their responses is classic Grover cuteness. Bert and Ernie steal the show, Cookie Monster eats everything (right down to the Christmas tree), the human cast are delightful as always, and Oscar shows he actually has a heart (at least for a minute). Honestly, the only low point for me is the odd full-body ice skating Muppets at the beginning. They just look weird... but it was the 70s, so it's forgiven.

So anyway... you should really watch this special this (and every) Christmas. It deserves a spot in your holiday special rotation alongside The Muppet Christmas Carol, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, and whatever other Muppet Christmas specials you watch every December.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Book Review: Memoirs of a Muppets Writer by Joseph A. Bailey

 Memoir of a Muppets Writer

by Joseph A. Bailey

$14.95 on Amazon.com

Chase Beecher - Alright Muppet fans, go back and think about The Muppet Show. Remember your favorite sketch. The thing that made you laugh out loud the most. The thing that you find on YouTube at four in the morning when you can't sleep and you need something to make you feel better. The sketch you go watch when you need a Muppet pick-me-up. The sketch you watch when you remember just why you love the Muppets in the first place. Chances are, Joseph A. Bailey had something to do with that.

I had the pleasure of receiving Mr. Bailey's book, Memoirs of a Muppets Writer, for Christmas. I started reading that baby with glee. It talked of explosions, and big yellow birds, and bearded guys with frogs on their hands. But I will get to that. I learned a lot about writing. I learned a lot about working for the Muppets. I learned a lot about Milton Berle. (There is a whole chapter on Mr. Television!)

The book illustrates Mr. Bailey's life and career writing for the Muppets for 20 years. Mr. Bailey begins to take us on a journey from his days as a Mad Man in the 1960's, to working for The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, and learning when Jim Henson passed. Mr. Bailey didn't even want to become a writer. He came from a working class family and got involved in his college newspaper because of a girl. That got him interested in writing (of course). He took some odd jobs, that took him to writing commercials. He wrote commercials and became a Mad Man in advertising until he showed up for work one day and the door was locked. That is one way to be fired.

Mr. Bailey takes us on his journey through writing for commercials to writing for children's shows. He wrote for a show called Jabberwockey, which, turns out, you can follow to Sesame Steet. Winning an award for Jabberwockey gave Bailey the gusto to call up Sesame and get an interview. After writing audition pieces, he was in, and that is where he met the great Jon Stone. Bailey and Mr. Stone forged a great and long lasting friendship, as detailed in the book. I myself, only knew of Jon as "the Godfather" of Sesame Street and the voice of "SC" of the audiobook of "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" but he is much more than that. There is a great story about Bailey and Jon visiting the Puebla in New Mexico and visiting an elderly Native American woman's home that has to be read to be believed. Mr. Bailey also tells us what Jon did with his 18 Emmys from Sesame. He made a coffee table from them. (I don't think I could put my cup on that!)

We learn a lot about writing and producing Sesame Street. The book not only gives you juicy behind the scenes information, but makes you appreciate the sketches that you know and love, the performers that brought them to you, and the time and effort that go into making them.

The book is also a great love letter to London, England. Mr Bailey writes with great detail what it was like to live there during the heyday of The Muppet Show. I feel like I could give you a weather report after reading the chapter entitled "Surviving London!" We learn the typical workweek of the show and just how crazy it was behind the scenes. Mr. Bailey gives us great stories about what it was like working in tight spaces with the great Don Hinkley and mentions that he is always thinking about writing a play about their days writing together. (note: You should, Joe. You should NOW!) I can only picture the pair writing classic bits like Fozzie on roller skates, while watching the performers on the floor, all the while having Jerry Juhl run in with notes on last weeks script. What a perfect storm.

Mr. Bailey tells a great story about The Swedish Chef. Mr. Bailey wrote the sketch for the Chef about Mexican lobsters. (Remember that one?!) Classic. Well, Jim Henson didn't want to do this sketch. He kept throwing it out of scripts! Jerry Juhl liked it and kept fighting for it until they filmed it and the rest is history. This is just an example of the "inside skinny" you will find in Mr. Bailey's book.

Some of the great "skinny" in this read is on the actual performers themselves. Mr. Bailey has great stories about riding around London  in an old clunker belonging to Richard Hunt. Joe, Richard, and Jerry Nelson would hit the London nightlife after a long week of production on The Muppet Show. Mr. Bailey has a few great stories about the three of them going into pubs and hotel bars and really living high on the hog. (That's a pun!) Richard, in an act of merriment, even saved a young marriage!

So, I mentioned Milton Berle. Berle was very serious about comedy. He was Mr. Television, after all. Mr. Bailey devotes a whole chapter to him. He tells us how much Berle taught him, and everyone at the Muppets, about comedy. He walks us through the "why" things are funny. There is a great story about Dave Goelz dressed as a monster trying to hit Uncle Milton with a powderpuff when he yells "Makeup!" Dave could never seem to hit him in the "funny" spot, so there were several takes. Milton Berle was serious about comedy.

Mr. Bailey has great stories about the guest stars. Zero Mostel put Jerry Juhl in a headlock over a joke. Peter Sellers really did claim to have his personality surgically removed. Julie Andrews had that cow slaughtered right after her episode of The Muppet Show. (Okay, that last one might not be true.) (Note from Ryan: It's not true.)

Another thing Mr. Bailey was heavily involved in was Muppet specials. He wrote, with Jon Stone, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, one of my favorites, so I read this chapter with glee, learning a lot. He also wrote John Denver and The Muppets: Rocky Mountain Holiday and went on location to Aspen, Colorado with Jim and company to film it. A lot of people ask Mr. Bailey, "How hard can it be to write and film puppets? It's just a hand with a sock on it." He lovingly and exasperatingly explains in the chapter "Aspen, Colorado" how it is more than a sock. It was near impossible to film in Aspen when an early winter came. You will never watch this special the same way when you learn how some of it was filmed in an airplane hangar.

Big Bird was invited to Carnegie Hall to emcee a fundraiser with Bob Hope and his wife starring. Big stars were on the billing. Caroll Spinney agreed to do it under one condition: he had to have his own writer. Joseph A. Bailey was the guy. Mr. Bailey went to production meetings for the live event and had to tell producers and other writers what Big Bird could and couldn't do. Like, that Carol couldn't see through Big Bird's costume. They found that out on their own, though, when Bird almost fell into the orchestra pit! I found this part of Mr. Bailey's book to be a great cross-reference with Mr. Spinney's own autobiography, The Wisdom of Big Bird (and The Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch).

This book is a great resource to have, and it is an absolute must have for Muppet fans. You will learn how the show came to be, but even more fascinating what didn't. Mr. Bailey even touches upon his writing "Sesame Street Live!" You will learn about his days on both The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. It is a must have for writers. You will learn what it takes to write. (Mr. Bailey gives the best advice he has learned: re-write the Lord's prayer. It works!) Mr. Bailey teaches comedy, even when he's not trying to. He includes a glossary at the back of the book entitled "Everything I learned about writing in 50 years... the hard way." I think every writer needs it on their desk.

The bottom line is, Mr. Bailey's book is hilarious, insightful, juicy, heartwarming, and brought tears to my eye. Mr. Bailey stated more than once that writing Memoirs of a Muppets Writer was the most difficult thing in the world to write. I don't think I am alone in saying I am glad you did, Mr. Bailey. Viva Rameau!

Be sure to check out The Muppet Mindset's interview with Joe Bailey for even more information and great words from a great man!






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street Review

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street: Through the Eyes of a Younger Generation

Joseph Scarbrough - For the past several years, one of my favorite things to do during the holidays is pop a VHS into the VCR, and enjoy one of my all-time favorite Christmas specials, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.

I was born in 1989. Twenty years after the premiere of Sesame Street; although I’m fortunate enough to have grown up during what is considered the tail-end of the classic/old school era (before 1993), I never really saw any true old school Sesame for quite some time. As a matter of fact, when I was a baby, in addition to television episodes of the time, the oldest I had seen of the show was the My Sesame Street Home Video series from the mid and late 80s... that is until a long-distant friend of mine sent me a wonderful present for Christmas 2002--a VHS of the 1978 special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.

The special opens with the Sesame Street gang (of that time) enjoying an ice skating party at the skating rink, and it’s an interesting opening to say the least, as we get a rare glimpse of various Muppet characters, such as Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, and Count von Count in full-bodied appearances, with skaters in full-bodied costumes of the characters. Admittedly, half of the time, I do tend to fast-forward through the opening, but there is one part that I’m particularly fond of, when a young girl wants Big Bird to skate with her, but he appears to be nervous about falling down--to see this little girl saddened at Big Bird not wanting to skate, but very happy that he did skate with her after all is a reminder that you just don’t see such genuine emotion from the young visitors on the show anymore.

After an accident playing Snap the Whip, Oscar (in his can) tumbles down flights of stairs, through walls, and out the main entrance. Big Bird and his little friend Patty come to his aid; Big Bird is glad Oscar is okay, because he wants everyone to be happy on Christmas Eve, that is until Oscar hits a sour note with him: “How’s a guy like Santa Claus, whose built like a dump truck, gonna get down all those skinny chimneys?” Neither Big Bird, nor Patty, are sure as to just how Santa does it, but they are determined to find out, otherwise, Oscar tells them, no one will get any presents for Christmas. The gang starts heading for home, singing a touching song that describes the wonder of the season, "True Blue Miracle." When I grew up, after 1992, Sesame Street always looked so clean and bright and colorful, but here, the street seemed so dirty and grungy, as if Oscar was in charge of sanitation, but that was before I learned the true intentions of the street setting, and now when I look, I see the realism of a lived-in inner-city street... and, of course, the set does look truly beautiful covered in snow.

Next, we see the Muppet icon himself, Kermit the Frog, waiting for Big Bird and Patty in his nest area, where the two relay the discouraging news about Santa to him; Kermit ponders on the subject himself, and decides that those who could answer that question best are those who understand Santa more than anyone: kids. So, Kermit goes to round up some of the neighborhood kids and ask how they think Santa leaves presents for everyone, though he already gets one answer from Patty: "I’m a kid, and I don’t know." Back in those days, it was easy to take Kermit’s appearances on the Street for granted--Jim was alive, still had legal ownership of the Muppets, and as such, Kermit could make crossover appearances in whatever show he was involved in; just seeing Kermit in this special, during these days when Disney is in control of the Muppets, is such a big plus.

While Kermit and Grover embark on asking kids faces about how they think Santa is able to get into people’s houses, Bob returns to his apartment to rehearse the classic Sesame Christmas song with a group of the neighborhood kids: "Keep Christmas With You (All Through the Year)," not realizing the surprise that awaits him. Before Bob arrived, Linda had dropped by and was teaching the kids how to sign the lyrics to the song, as her Christmas present to Bob--proving that sometimes the best gifts aren’t materialistic at all. The first version I heard of this song was from Elmo Saves Christmas, even though it has a more upbeat and catchy sound to it, this version has a much more mellow, soothing sound, like what carolers would sing around a warm fire; I have to say, I do like both versions very much.

Next comes my favorite moment in the special: Mr. Hooper. When I grew up, I only heard the name Hooper whenever referring to the famous store, I don’t think I ever even made the connection to the portrait on Big Bird’s wall to the man behind the store. I only learned about Mr. Hooper during a special aired on A&E in 2001 about the history and behind-the-scenes moments of the show. At last, I was meeting the street’s grandfather figure for the first time, and, needless to say, the moment was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, as both Ernie and Bert had decided that they were running out of time to buy each other a present... and out of money as well. Ernie had decided to get Bert an empty cigar box, as a practical gift for him to keep his paper clip collection in, but was short on cash, so he proposed a trade with Mr. Hooper--his beloved Rubber Duckie for the cigar box. When Bert stepped into the store afterward, he decided to get Ernie a pink soap dish to keep Rubber Duckie in, and also being short on money, offered Mr. Hooper his paper clip collection in exchange for Ernie’s present. Mr. Hooper asked both Ernie and Bert if they were sure they wanted to do this, and they both said they were. Such a wonderful scene, I think it illustrates Bert and Ernie’s true friendship more than anything that they’re both willing to give up their most prized possession to get a present for one another for Christmas, no matter how much it hurts.

There is much more Muppety fun throughout, including Grover's role-playing with a young boy named Billy. Grover pretends to be Santa trapped in Billy’s house, and asks for his help in how to get out. This leads up to a funny scene with Cookie Monster writing a letter to Santa, but as he tries to decide what kind of cookies he wants Santa to bring him, he eats his pencil without realizing it. Classic Cookie! Back with Kermit, Big Bird, and Patty, Kermit goes over the list of answers kids had given him as to how Santa gets down the chimneys. None of the answers satisfy Big Bird, who’s growing even more restless to find out how Santa gets down the chimneys. Meanwhile, Cookie Monster tries writing to Santa again, as Cookie wonders what kind of cookies Santa would bring him, his appetite gets the better of him again, until finally, he devours the entire typewriter. Even funnier than the previous scene.

Next came a scene where Big Bird conducts an experiment: Snuffy represents Santa, while one of Big Bird’s oil barrels is a chimney, and the experiment is that Snuffy will step into the barrel and will show how Santa gets down a chimney. So Snuffy ascends a makeshift staircase of wooden crates, and steps into the barrel, before facing a problem... Santa doesn’t have more than two feet, so Big Bird suggests that Snuffy pretend Santa’s bringing one of his reindeer down with him. Snuffy squeezes all four of his legs into the barrel, and it seems as if Big Bird may have finally solved the problem, until Snuffy presents a new one... can they explain how Santa gets OUT of the chimney?

The sun sets, and Oscar watches his cheerful neighbors embark on visits to friends to deliver Christmas presents, including a moment that would probably have been forced on today’s show: Bob wishing Mr. Hooper a happy Hanukkah. A simple gesture like that is fine for 1978, but today they probably would have to do an entire subplot or so addressing Hanukkah, even though it’s not a bad idea. The cheerfulness around the street is enough to make Oscar sick, so sick, in fact, that he expresses his disdain for Christmas in song – "I Hate Christmas." He strolls around the street showing it too, by giving presents full of sludge, taking presents back from others, ripping the EL out of NOEL, etc. In fact, when it’s over is when he cheers, he’s glad it’s only once a year, he hates Christmas. Boy, Oscar could give the Grinch a run for his money.

Bert and Ernie get ready for bed, but they’re so excited about their presents, they decide to go ahead and open them on Christmas Eve; Bert opens his cigar box and is thrilled to have it... until Ernie mentions that he got it for him to keep his paper clips in. When Ernie asks to see Bert put his paper clips in, Bert changes the subject by suggesting Ernie open his present; Ernie opens his soap dish and is thrilled until Bert tells him he got it for Rubber Duckie. Just when Bert asks to see how Rubber Ducky looks in it, they receive a visit from Mr. Hooper, a rare moment to see a human on a puppet set. Mr. Hooper drops by to give Bert and Ernie presents for Christmas, but when they open their presents, they find that Mr. Hooper has given them the paper clip collection and Rubber Duckie back. Bert and Ernie are so happy with their presents, but then realize that this isn’t a very fair exchange, because they didn’t get anything for Mr. Hooper, until he tells them that just seeing that they got exactly what they wanted for Christmas is the best present he could ever have. Mr. Hooper wishes them a merry Christmas, and leaves, while a touched Bert and Ernie sing a version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." This is perhaps my favorite moment out of the entire special, and it’s moments like these where you realize who your friends really are.

Just when Cookie couldn’t get any funnier, he decides since Christmas Eve is too late to mail a letter to Santa, and tries to call him instead, that is until while thinking about cupcakes, Cookie ends up eating the receiver... just as his call to Santa goes through. "Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Hello?" echoes from a befuddled Cookie’s tummy. "Gee, maybe me better send telegram." As the night wears on, and the snow begins to fall, Big Bird is more disheartened than ever about Santa. Big Bird is on the verge of tears at the thought of nobody getting any presents, until he finally figures how he can find out how Santa gets down skinny chimneys. Inside Gordon and Susan’s apartment, Gordon hangs stockings, while Cookie tells him about his failure at trying to contact Santa, but Gordon assures him that Santa knows all about him, and knows exactly what to bring him for Christmas, but that it would be a nice idea for him to leave something in return; Cookie thinks it’s a terrific idea, and tries to decide between a necktie, or shaving cream, until Gordon tells him what people usually leave him... cookies. Cookie’s reaction? Priceless! Just when you thought things couldn’t get any funnier for the shaggy blue monster!

Gordon answers the door, after he hears a soft tapping, and finds a worried Patty telling him that Big Bird is gone, so Gordon and Susan start a search party. At that moment, Big Bird ascends to the roof of 123, where Bert’s pigeons coo and tell him that Santa hasn’t been by yet: Big Bird has decided he’s going to stay up on the roof until Santa arrives, and see, firsthand, how he gets down skinny chimneys. Down on the ground, Gordon and Susan tell others about Big Bird’s disappearance, and soon, everyone is running around looking for him, much to his confusion. Big Bird figures he could go down and help look for someone who may be lost, but figures it’s more important that he sticks around and see Santa. The rest of the gang continue searching for Big Bird, while he dozes off on the roof. When he is fast asleep, and half-buried in snow, the shadow of a large figure slowly approaches him. When Big Bird opens his eyes, he sees no one there, and figures he must have had a wild dream. He then decides to step down to Gordon and Susan’s to warm up for a moment; just as Gordon and Susan return home. They are relieved, but frustrated when Big Bird comes down from the roof and tells them that he was waiting for Santa. They soon discover that everything in the apartment has been decorated, presents are under the tree, and the stockings are full... Santa did indeed make it down the chimney. Big Bird is happy, but disappointed that he still doesn’t know how Santa does it; Gordon asks why Big Bird he needs to know so much and tells him that’s not what’s important... what’s important is that after losing him and being very worried about him, they got him back safe and sound, and that they’re all together for Christmas. "And if that isn’t a true blue miracle, I don’t know what is." Oscar joins them, and tells Big Bird he’s glad he’s back, because he wants to ask him something... "How does the Easter Bunny hide all those eggs in one night?"

The special ends with Big Bird stepping out onto the street, to the relief of the other residents, happy to see he’s back, while a reprise of "Keep Christmas With You (All Through the Year)" is sung. As everyone goes home for the night, and Big Bird and Patty enjoy the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the arbor, Gordon and Susan come home to find that Cookie Monster has eaten their tree: "Scotch Pine delicious, but Douglas Fir give me heartburn!"

This is such a great special, unlike many of the holidays specials of today, this one not only had a very structured and solid storyline, it was also neither overly political correct, or even overly educational. It’s also a favorite among a lot of the cast and crew as well; "I thought it was the best of what we’d become," Roscoe Orman said in Sesame Street: A Celebration – 40 Years of Life on the Street, "Jon Stone wrote, directed, and produced it, an incredible vision. It was a wonderful tribute to the spirit of what we’d created."

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier