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'Sesame Street' at 40: Reading, writing and always welcoming jazz
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The late, great Tito Puente is among the many jazz artists who have appeared on "Sesame Street."
If you recognize those big bird (or, rather, Big Bird) feet on Google today, it’s because your favorite search engine is marking the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.”
That’s right, for 40 years – and some 4,000 episodes – the denizens of “Sesame Street” have played a vital role in introducing the children of America to some of the most important things in life. There’s been plenty of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic, to be sure, but Ernie, Bert and all the rest have never shied away from inserting some worthwhile civics and social lessons, all in an effort not just to educate young viewers but empower them to be upstanding citizens. “Sesame Street’s” new season gets under way Tuesday, exactly 40 years to the day after the series’ premiere.
And, to their credit, the producers have always seen jazz as playing an essential role in the “Sesame Street” curriculum.
A study of the “Street’s” 400-plus celebrity guests turns up dozens of jazz notables. Most turned in one-off appearances; others – including Wynton Marsalis and George Benson – all but bought a house on the block. Here’s just a few of the jazz stars who have swung through their ABCs on “Sesame Street.”
Ray Barretto: Appeared in the mid-‘70s to explain Latin rhythm.
Tony Bennett: Taped an appearance in '95 singing a remake of "Little Things" with Lexine.
George Benson: Made several appearances in the early ‘80s, performing "A Friend for All Seasons" (with Olivia), "The Greatest Love of All" and "The Alphabet Song."
Cab Calloway: Appeared in several clips that debuted in '81 including "Hi-De-Ho Man" with the Two Headed Monster and “I Want to Count" with The Count.
Herbie Hancock: Made an appearance in the ‘80s in which Maria and the kids visit him in the studio. The segment closes with a rendition of the "Sesame Street Theme" as played by Hancock.
Diana Krall: Performed "Everybody's Song" with Elmo and a group of Muppets in '01.
Branford Marsalis: Appeared in the role of Forrest Wimbledon, a jazz musician who plays at Birdland with Hoots the Owl.
Wynton Marsalis: Appeared multiple times in the ‘80s. In one segment, Hoots gets into a musician's duel with Marsalis (see clip below); in another, Marsalis performs at Birdland with Duck Ellington and the Sesame Street All-Animal Jazz Ensemble. He also appeared in the celebrity version of "Put Down the Duckie."
Tito Puente: Guest starred in ’93 in multiple segments, including one in which his dance music eventually wins over Oscar the Grouch. Years later, he was parodied as Tito, the world's greatest timbale-playing bat.
Diane Schuur: Appeared in '96 singing “From Your Head" with Elmo.
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Wynton Marsalis on "Sesame Street."
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