Everyone from Michelle Obama to the Goo Goo Dolls have appeared on Sesame Street, but let’s take a look at the best musical artists to guest on the show. Before we start we need to establish some criteria. The best guest appearances are those celebrities that leave their ego and image outside and give in to the madness that is Sesame Street. They need to interact with the puppets, sing, and most of all not worry about looking foolish.

First up is Andrea Bocelli. This piece is awesome because Bocelli totally gives into the set-up. He sings Elmo a lullaby with an operatic voice. The fact that Elmo is exchanging verses with a guy who has such a commanding voice shows what a true sport Bocelli is and how involved he was willing to get with Sesame Street.

Next up is Norah Jones who duets with Elmo. The song is pretty good, but I’m putting this one on the list solely because Norah sings a whole song about one letter. The kicker is at the end when “Y” actually shows up.

Adam Sandler is mostly known as a comic actor, but he’s released music albums before (although they were funny songs like the Hanukkah Song). In this clip he makes up a wacky song about Elmo, and then proceeds to rhyme things with Elmo. Although Sandler is known for goofy things, this clip is worth it because of how much fun Sandler is having and just how wacky the lyrics are.

Sesame Street has changed lyrics to famous songs before but they do a great job taking “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from Gypsy and having Harvey Fierstein sing “Everything’s Coming Up Noses”. The parade of noses that follows is hysterical.

Finally, I’m adding Ray Charles singing “I Got a Song” with Ernie and Bert. Simply because it’s Ray Charles and Ernie and Bert’s scat is fantastic. I love how Ernie calls him “Ray” like they’re old friends.

Can’t get enough Muppet music? Check out:

The Best Sesame Street Musical Guests — Part 1

The Best Sesame Street Musical Guests — Part 2

The Top 5 Beatles Songs (Performed by Muppets)

On March 15th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Genesis, ABBA, Jimmy Cliff and The Stooges into the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremonies began back in 1986 with Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis joining the Hall of Fame. It’s a great ceremony and a true testament to rock music. Now you can enjoy this event with your own little rocker because the Rock Hall is selling their own official clothing for kids and babies. Get your little tyke rocking early or give as a great baby shower gift with our new digital download gift package!

Like its sister program The Muppet Show, Sesame Street has attracted an astounding array of performers from all over the world of music. Starting with legends like Lena Horne when the show debuted and spreading out into rock, R&B, country and pretty much every other branch of musical expression, a guest spot on Sesame Street was proof positive that you’d made it. Here is the first installment my favorites from the show’s history, facilitated by the kindliness of YouTube.

Don’t miss part one of this series here.

Ray Charles – I’ve Got A Song

It’s a great performance of a classic tune by one of R&B’s most famous showmen, but what really puts this one over the top is the backing band – Ernie on drums and Bert on guitar. They take solos, sing a little scat and generally make this a jam that I can listen to over and over again.

Feist – Counting To Four

Canadian indie songstress Feist once roomed with filthy electro queen Peaches, who we don’t see showing up on Sesame Street anytime soon (unless they need a song about not shaving your armpits). But “Counting To Four” is a rare modern Sesame Street song that stands with the classics, with an insanely infectious melody and quirky lyrics in the classically absurdist mode.

Paul Simon – Me & Julio

If there’s any one clip that illustrates the magic of Sesame Street, it’s this one – a young Paul Simon sitting on the stoop playing his hit “Me & Julio” is unexpectedly interrupted by the little girl sitting next to her, who starts freestyling her own lyrics. Throw in some robot dancing kids breaking it down to the whole deal and you have a priceless TV moment.

 

P.S. Don’t forget to enter to win our new Lullaby Renditions of Queen CD!