10 FAVORITES (13) - Sesame Street Songs

Many of those who are around my age or older can pretty much agree that Sesame Street is one of (if not THE) greatest children shows of all-time. And lots of us have memories of the seminal series ranging from the colorful Muppet characters, the frantic animations and the clever writing all wrapped up in the lessons teaching young children (from Nursery Rhymes to the ABC's). One of the most important elements of the show was music and, in particular, songs. They didn't just use "The Alphabet Song" or "Twinkle Twinkle" when it came time to teach children (both onscreen and off). They had brilliant songwriters who managed to capture the energy and fun of music and combine it with the joys of learning. But what are the best songs the now 41-year-old series had to offer? Today's 10 FAVORITES offers up the best songs that I heard as a child growing up watching Sesame Street. Now, when I say the songs I heard growing up, that leaves out a lot of the songs produced after 1990 (which is around the time I stopped watching the series regularly). So, in advance, I apologize to those of younger generations who may not be familiar with the songs featured in today's list. Most of these songs first made their appearance on the show in the 1970's and were reurun several times throughout the following decade (the 1980's, which is my domain!). So, with that out of the way, here are:

THE 10 BEST SESAME STREET SONGS

HONORABLE MENTION

The Sesame Street Theme Song

Once you hear this bouncy tune, it is hard to forget it. It always made me happy because I knew that my favorite show was beginning. But it has been pointed out by several of my generation that it is a rather frustrating song. It doesn't really tell you "How to get to Sesame Street." It keeps asking but never answers. Yet the imagery of "Sunny Days" and "Smiling Faces" is so inviting that you just know where "Sesame Street" is.

SONG #10

Rubber Duckie

First appearing in their inaugural season back in 1969, this song is really the one that made their music department famous. Who ever would of thought that a song about a guy and his favorite bath time toy would be a hit record? It helps that Jim Henson's performance as Ernie is so endearing that every child wanted a Rubber Duckie!

SONG #9

ABC-DEF-GHI

Yet another song from the first season, this was a great twist on the classic "Alphabet Song." Big Bird, who in the early years was more like a goofy teenager rather than the 6-year-old we know and love, is talking about the most amazing word he has ever heard. What he doesn't know is what that word really is, but Susan is on hand to explain. Take a look:

SONG #8

Mahna-Mahna

Some of you may be saying "Hey, this is from The Muppet Show!" But what some of you may not know is that this fun and jazzy song got its start in 1970 on Sesame Street and was revamped in 1976 for the first episode of The Muppet Show. It is a little jarring if you are used to the latter version, but still the song is just as good as it ever was.

SONG #7

How Do You Do?

I was saddened earlier this year to hear of the death of the jazz legend Lena Horne. So I immediately went on YouTube to find the clip of the first time I saw her, which was this beautiful song she sang to Grover. It is a wonderful song that helps children learn how to meet people (great for kids on their first day of pre-school or kindergarten!). Fairly simple and yet it is extremely poignant and catchy. Plus, it's Lena Horne!

SONG #6

Born to Add

I loved this song as a little kid. I loved it even more as I got older and realized that Sesame Street was a master at parody. As a child of the 1980's, I am a total fan of Bruce Springsteen and the poetry he weaves in great rock tunes (if you don't believe me, just listen to "Born to Run"). So this great song has an even better meaning for kids as they get older and understand that from great things can come great parody.

SONG #5

What's the Name of That Song?

This song has become a favorite of mine more recently because I almost forgot about hearing it on record growing up. But thank you to YouTube (and the Old School Sesame Street DVD's)! It's a silly idea for a song but Muppet songwriting legend Sam Pottle (The Muppet Show Theme) managed to give us a catchy tune with lyrics that say exactly how you feel when you cannot remember the name of a song you cannot stop humming.

SONG #4

Bein' Green

It is Kermit the Frog's eternal anthem. It is a beautiful tune about understanding that you are different and liking yourself for who you are. Everybody (especially these days) needs to sing this song to themselves. There are several versions Kermit (and others) have done over the years, but the two definitive ones come from Sesame Street. One, is the first appearance (back in 1969) that has just Kermit sitting in the swamp singing the tune. The other, done about a year or two later, has Kermit singing the song with the late Lena Horne (where the powerful meaning was never stronger). Below, is the first version.

SONG #3

Sing After Me

Another great frequent guest on Sesame Street who is sadly no longer with us, was the late Madeline Kahn. Ms. Kahn was a phenomenal comedic actress and performer who we all remember from such hilarious film roles like Lily Von Schtupp in Blazing Saddles (for which she earned an Oscar nod!). But this was my first knowledge of her: The lady who sang this fun and silly song with Grover on my favorite show! The interaction between Frank Oz's Grover and Ms. Kahn is absolutely delicious. Together they make a perfect team.

SONG #2

C is For Cookie

I do not care what parents or advocacy groups say today, this song is AWESOME! What better way to help kids learn how to spell than to combine it with one of their favorite snacks? By the time I got to school, I certainly knew how to spell "Cookie" and Sesame Street is very much responsible for that (at least in part).

AND...

SONG #1

Sing

I absolutely love this song! It is so simple that it is complex. I know that sounds weird but it's true. The song first appeared on the show in the early 1970's and was sung by a bunch of kids. Every year, the show would drag this song out but always find some new way to do it, which made it enjoyable for the audience. My absolute favorite version (which is below) is where Olivia (played by the late Alaina Reed Hall) gorgeously sings the song as Linda (a seminal character herself) shows the audience the beauty that is American Sign Language. Every time I hear this song, no matter what version, I just want to get up and "Sing!"

So there you have it: THE 10 BEST SESAME STREET SONGS. I hope your favorite was on here! Special shout out of thanks to the people at SesameStreet.org for allowing some of these clips to be available on YouTube. If you would like to see more of these kinds of clips, just head on over to the video section of their website where they have several classics available for viewing. Next week, I begin my month-long devotion to Christmas things (Movies, Specials, Carols, etc.). Enjoy!

10 FAVORITES (3) - 1980's TV Themes PART II: Dramas

As promised, this next list of 10 FAVORITES revolves around the theme songs to the drama shows of the 1980's. Last week, I focused on 1980's sitcom themes. Like the previous list, each of the shows featured were prominent in some way (either with critics, audiences or in my own household).

THE 10 BEST 1980's DRAMA SERIES THEME SONGS

HONORABLE MENTION

Knight Rider (1982-1986), NBC

There are only three things I really remember about this series: 1) The cool car (voiced by the great William Daniels); 2) David Hasselhoff's hair; and 3) This very 1980's theme song. Since those are the only memorable things about the show, the awesome theme music garners Honorable Mention on this list.

THEME SONG #10

Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996), CBS

This series is considered the last of the great murder-mystery TV Dramas because it truly targeted its demographic. The show still does well in syndicated reruns thanks to viewers' fond nostalgia and the delightful legend that is Angela Lansbury.

THEME SONG #9

Dynasty (1981-1989), ABC

This theme song just sounded like a soap opera theme about glamorous people, which it was. The elegance, the beauty, the grandeur and the pure bitchy catfights between the likes of Joan Collins and Linda Evans defined this series and primetime soaps for a generation.

THEME SONG #8

L.A. Law (1986-1994), NBC

The award-winning legal drama about the lawyers and workers at a successful Los Angeles law firm was the definition of a great drama series for me when I was growing up. The theme song just serves as a reminder of that time of my life: a time when men and women in power suits were walking briskly with Kenny G style-saxophones playing in the background.

THEME SONG #7

Moonlighting (1985-1989), ABC

This is a tricky one. Sometimes the show is considered a Comedy series and sometimes it is considered a Drama series. The show, which centered on the tempestuous relationship between two private detectives (played by Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd), had a mix of mystery, farce and soap opera romance plus a very catchy theme song written and sung by Al Jarreau.

THEME SONG #6

Dallas (1978-1991), CBS

The series that created the little thing known as "Season-Ending Cliffhangers." This family would betray each other as fast as they would make love to each other. And J. R. Ewing (iconically portrayed by Larry Hagman) became one of the most loved (and most hated) TV villains of all-time. The theme song was big and epic, just like Texas.

THEME SONG #5

Hill Street Blues (1981-1987), NBC

This groundbreaking series took cop shows to a whole new level. Its haunting theme (by TV composing legend Mike Post) set the standard for dramatic series opening sequences afterwards (just look at Law & Order, NYPD Blue and L.A. Law).

THEME SONG #4

Miami Vice (1984-1990), NBC

There was something about Miami in the 1980's. NBC had two hit shows set in the exotic Florida metropolis: one was the hilarious sitcom The Golden Girls and the other was this series, the complete polar opposite. The show was about two detectives (Crockett and Tubbs!) and their pursuit of the seedy criminal element of Miami. The theme song (complete with synthesizer) by Jan Hammer was totally 1980's.

THEME SONG #3

Magnum P.I. (1980-1988), CBS

There are so many things this theme song brings to mind: the Hawaiian islands, the helicopter, the mustache! I think every boy from my generation wanted to grow up and live like Thomas Magnum (played to perfection by Tom Selleck).

THEME SONG #2

The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985), CBS

The style of this show so fit the time period. I mean the stars, Tom Wopat and John Schneider, both had "Farrah-hair!" The theme song, written and performed by country music legend Waylon Jennings, was just as fitting and became a #1 on Billboard's Music charts.

THEME SONG #1

The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983), ABC

This is the most memorable theme song on the list (hence it being placed at #1!). Who doesn't want to sing along to this extremely catchy song? Even George Costanza (on Seinfeld) parodied the song for his outgoing message. Also, the show about a quirky superhero, ran from 1981-1983, making it the shortest lived series on the list.

So there you have it: The 10 Best Drama Series Theme Songs of the 1980's. Hopefully, this is a good compliment to the 10 Best Sitcom Theme Songs of the 1980's. If you have any suggestions for future 10 FAVORITES lists, just send me an e-mail.

10 FAVORITES (2) - 1980's TV Themes PART I: Sitcoms

The 1980's was a confusing and fascinating time to grow up in. Conservative politicians like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher were the political power players in the world. The Cold War was coming to a groundbreaking (and Wall-breaking) close throughout Eastern Europe. And the Pop Culture scene was filled with iconic images, sounds and moments that shaped everyone of my generation. Movies like E. T. and Top Gun were box-office blockbusters alongside franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Music had pop/rock icons like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Madonna and the late self-proclaimed King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson topping the charts and selling out arenas. The music scene also had epic "Arena" rock bands like Journey, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi proving just as popular as Jacko and Madge. The "Epic-ness" of the culture seeped into the Broadway scene too as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber led a British invasion with powerful pop operas (or "poperas" as they're called) and dominated theatre in the decade.

But if there is one thing people of my generation remember about 1980's entertainment above anything else, it is the television shows that thrilled, charmed and just made us laugh throughout our childhood. And what made a great TV show in the decade? The catchy theme song. That's why I have dedicated this week's 10 FAVORITES to the decade that raised me and the sitcom themes we knew and loved (next week will be the drama show themes so stay tuned!). This week's topic:

THE 10 BEST 1980's SITCOM THEME SONGS

HONORABLE MENTION

Night Court (1984-1992), NBC

This is a very memorable theme that I heard constantly. It's not in the Top 10 only because its instrumental (no lyrics), which is not a bad thing. It's just that the other 10 shows all are memorable because of their theme's words. My brother thinks this should be good enough to be in the Top 10 because this is one of his all-time favorite sitcoms, but he can't have everything!

THEME SONG #10

The Facts of Life (1979-1988), NBC

The 1980's were big on shows that taught a lesson to the kids (and their parents) watching the program. And this show, which at times was actually quite enjoyable, had an extremely catchy theme song that musically evolved as the decade wore on.

THEME SONG #9

Charles In Charge (1984-1985), CBS & (1987-1990), Syndication

Scott Baio's show about a college student who is also a "manny" to an upper-middle-class family in New Jersey first aired on CBS (and got cancelled after a year). Then a few years later, thanks to fans of Baio, a re-tooled version re-emerged in first-run syndication (these were the years before cable folks!). The fun theme song pretty much stayed the same (except musically revamped '80's style the second time around).

THEME SONG #8

Who's the Boss? (1984-1992), ABC

Taxi star Tony Danza played a Brooklyn ex-baseball player who moves to Connecticut to be a housekeeper to a wealthy (female!) ad exec (played by soap star Judith Light). The show was a typical family show with a twist on the "normal" family unit and it launched the career of a young Alyssa Milano. It was a "Brand New Life" for everyone who watched and enjoyed!

THEME SONG #7
Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1985), NBC

With the recent passing Gary Coleman, fans scrambled all over the internet to find episodes of his iconic show where he uttered his famous line "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" The theme song (written and sung by another '80's TV icon, Alan Thicke) was another fun song that everyone in my school could sing at the drop of a hat.

THEME SONG #6
Silver Spoons (1982-1986), NBC & (1986-1987), Syndication

Like Charles In Charge above, this Rick (or Ricky) Schroder vehicle had a run in Syndication for a year after being cancelled by its original network. The show revolved around Schroder and his relationship with his rich and eccentric father (played by Joel Higgins). Schroder was one of many young actors who defined the Teen Idol scene in the 1980's. The theme song is a great musical marvel, but because of the two-part harmonies, you always need a second person to sing along.

THEME SONG #5
The Golden Girls (1985-1992), NBC

Betty White, who sadly is the last surviving of these dynamic ladies, is currently enjoying a great resurgence in her storied career. This series, in which she co-starred with Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty as four elderly women living (and dating!) in Miami, was among the best of her career (and is said to be her personal favorite!). Just hearing the theme song reminds me of the hilarity and the comedy master class one would get in watching these women in their many situations.

THEME SONG #4
Growing Pains (1985-1992), ABC
One of the several "EPIC" theme songs that filled 1980's TV. Just the opnening line, "Show me that smile again" (with it repeated by a female back-up singer), had a quality that so fit the decade. The show starred Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns as parents raising their teenage kids which included Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold, who were big teen icons thanks to the series.

THEME SONG #3
Perfect Strangers (1986-1993), ABC

Talk about "EPIC!" Listen to the opening strains! And the final notes on harmonica! The series was about a Greek immigrant named Balki Bartokomous (played to perfection by Bronson Pinchot) who lives with his American cousin Larry Appleton (played by Mark Linn-Baker) in Chicago. Balki, having come from a small Greek isle, was socially awkward when it came to American culture. So, of course, hilarity ensued! This is another of my brother's favorite sitcoms!

THEME SONG #2
Family Ties (1982-1989), NBC

The show that launched Michael J. Fox's career (and garnered him 3 Emmys in the process!). This show, about a close knit family with liberal parents (played by Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney) and their conservative elder son (Fox), was one of my absolute favorites growing up. I still enjoy watching it every once in a while and I think a big part of it has to do with the touching and heartwarming theme song (sung by Johnny Mathis and Deneice Williams).

AND NOW...
THEME SONG #1
Cheers (1982-1993), NBC
Did you really expect any other theme song as #1? This theme DEFINED the decade. Everyone knew it! Even if they didn't watch the show. The antics of the Boston bar workers and patrons including ex-baseball player Sam Malone (the charismatic Ted Danson), snobbish waitress Diane Chambers (the charming Shelley Long) and the lovable Norm or "NORM!" (the great George Wendt) was a landmark series that helped NBC turn a corner (establishing "Must See TV" Thursdays) and won several well-deserved Emmys. According to my dad, it is the best of ALL the shows represented on this list, which to me is high-praise indeed.


So there you have it. The Best Sitcom Theme Songs from the decade that helped make me who I am today. Next Week: The Best Drama Theme Songs! And there are many to choose from, as it has been pointed out to me by my many friends and family.