Top 10 Best Sesame Street Celebrity Songs
#10: “What I Am” (2010)
Top 10 Sesame Street Songs
Will.i.am “Sesame Street” has meant a lot of things to a lot of different people. However, at the heart of every great moment from the show is a lesson about good values. “What I Am” is a great example of that, and that’s thanks in large part to the creative team. Co-writer Bill Sherman has reportedly mentioned how involved Will.i.am was in the creative process, how they both collaborated to get it right, and how much the rapper liked the end results. Their work paid off. “What I Am” focuses on internal values, sticking to who you are inside, and never forgetting that you’re special. What’s better than that?
#9: “Furry Happy Monsters” (1999)
R.E.M. It’s a joy to watch big-time celebrities let loose on “Sesame Street.” This is particularly true here, with rockers R.E.M. The happiness on their collective faces is palpable, as they go into a take on their hit, “Shiny Happy People” with the Muppets. “Furry Happy Monsters” takes the song’s title pretty literally, but doesn’t shy away from running through different emotions within just a couple minutes. Meanwhile, the Muppet version of the B-52’s Kate Pierson is a stroke of true brilliance. We just can’t get enough of this clip.
#8: “Dancin’” (2005)
Alicia Keys Another great aspect of “Sesame Street” is how it’s not about rushing through things at a hundred miles-per-hour. “Dancin’” opens up quietly, with Alicia Keys tinkling the piano by herself, before Elmo joins the scene. The song builds up in earnest, taking the Keys original, “Fallin’,” and making it a duet. This could’ve easily devolved into self-parody, but “Sesame Street” has thankfully always taken their children’s entertainment seriously. Elmo hits the harmonies, and “Dancin’” is all the better for it. It’s hard not to feel all warm and fuzzy inside afterwards!
#7: “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (1977)
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Paul Simon Speaking of taking things seriously, Paul Simon changed little to his 1972 hit, “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” when he performed it on “Sesame Street.” The track was the subject of some conversation upon release, due to audiences wondering what crime Julio and the narrator had committed. This debate is largely negated in this 1977 version thanks to Simon’s back-up vocalist, an adorable little girl who’s content just to clap along and sing about dancing. She steals the show! It’s a nice example of how kids can be exposed to serious music in a way that’s fun enough for them to get involved.
#6: “1234” (2008)
Feist The original version of Feist’s “1234” may not be about literally counting to four, but this was the fun angle taken by the singer when she appeared on “Sesame Street.” What’s most unique is how involved and genuinely moving the arrangements are here, especially for such a relatively short tune. Feist and the Muppets go all in, giving this rendition their all. The singer’s voice is evocatively soaked in reverb, while the string arrangements and Muppet choral voices make “1234” sound epic. Plus, Feist looks like she’s having an absolute blast, and it’s totally infectious.
#5: “Rubber Duckie” (1994)
Little Richard If bath time was always this exciting, we’d honestly never leave the tub. Who would when Little Richard’s involved? The rock ‘n roll icon tweaks the classic “Sesame Street” jam, “Rubber Duckie,” to fit his own style, and it totally works. Of course, it helps that the singer vamps it up on the show’s tub set, even slipping what may-or-may-not be innuendo into his delivery of the lyrics. We’re not saying that Richard couldn’t help it, but…well, have you ever looked up the original lyrics to “Tutti Frutti”? [1] Thankfully, we’re mostly kidding. “Rubber Duckie” remains generally wholesome throughout its run time, all while giving the innocent children’s tune a raucous rock twist.
#4: “Believe in Yourself” (1996)
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Ray Charles First thing’s first: we gotta say that we love Elmo’s politeness in this segment. It’s a good lesson, just like when he and Ray Charles briefly take a moment to explain braille to the television audience. This all leads smoothly into “Believe in Yourself,” which hammers home the feeling of independence that’s been fostered thus far to the children at home. The performers sing about seeing others’ point of view while also sticking to one’s own morals. The sweet lyrics with their encouraging message are only made better by Elmo’s cheerful enthusiasm. It’s cute stuff, to put it mildly, and makes it impossible not to smile along.
#3: “Nasty Dan” (1973)
Johnny Cash We couldn’t have a “Sesame Street” without mentioning everyone’s favorite trash can man, Oscar the Grouch! Johnny Cash provides a perfect musical experience for Oscar to enjoy, as he sings a humorous tune titled “Nasty Dan.” The Grouch can’t help but marvel at the titular Dan’s overall unpleasantness, clearly in awe of the character. The song was also featured on Cash’s 1975 “Children’s Album”, but it feels even more at home here – particularly with Oscar’s commentary. The moment where Cash tells the Grouch to “have a rotten day” is just the icing on top of the already unforgettable cake.
#2: "123 Sesame Street" (1973)
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Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder has jammed out to multiple tunes on “Sesame Street”, including the one and only “Superstition”. Wonder’s "123 Sesame Street" is equally electrified, and honestly kind of weird, to boot. We mean that as a major compliment (hey, it was the ‘70s!). The track sees the singer experimenting with computerized vocal effects on the show. It’s honestly very cool to hear the chances "123 Sesame Street" takes, exposing kids at home to cutting-edge sounds of jazz fusion and funk. Could it happen again? Maybe, or maybe numbers like these are just “of their time,” albeit in the best possible way. Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions!
“U Really Got a Hold on Me” (1985), Smokey Robinson
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A Memorably Silly Tune
"Hot and Cold" (2010), Katy Perry
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Clothing Controversy Aside, This Is a Great Clip
“The Power of Yet” (2014), Janelle Monáe
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“Don’t Give Up” (2011), Bruno Mars
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"The ABCs of Moving You" (2013), Usher
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All Smiles & Fun
#1: “Bein’ Green” (1974)
Lena Horne “Bein’ Green” has made its way into multiple Muppet properties over the years, and with good reason. It’s perhaps one of the finest songs ever associated with Jim Henson’s extended family. Lena Horne’s take on the song may initially seem a bit experimental. Horne speaks almost as much as she sings at first, but there’s a powerful earnestness that soon becomes evident. That earnestness is further amplified when Kermit the Frog joins along. The arrangements and the performances of these two stars makes for a goosebump-inducing moment. There’s just something to be said about the bare honesty of it all – it’s pure magic in a bottle.
