All this week, we’ll be talking about everything Jerry Nelson meant to us, and most of that surrounds his iconic characters like Floyd, Gobo, the Count, and Emmet Otter. And one thing that makes all of them particularly iconic is the music they gave to us.
Jerry was passionate about his music, and he made a point to bring his talent into almost every one of his characters. And it didn’t hurt that he was far more talented than we could’ve hoped, as he didn’t just have a great voice, but he had range that could’ve put any professional vocalist to shame.
We’ve collected over 40 of our favorite Jerry Nelson songs, and although it’s unlikely that anyone will actually listen to every one of them, I’d encourage you to sample as many as you can. Try a few Floyd songs, followed by a Gobo tune, flanked with Emmet Otter and his jugband, with a Count melody peppered in for good luck. Listen for the differences between Floyd’s “Searchin'” and “Gone Fishin'”, then compared to his performances as the soft-spoken Robin, the warbly Lew Zealand, the powerful Ghost of Christmas Present, the melodic Gobo Fraggle, and the Eastern European Count. It’s not just the voices that change, but Jerry’s entire singing style.
What I’m trying to say is, the man had range.
In addition to his work with The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock, I’ve also included some songs from his non-Muppet career, including three from his album Truro Daydreams and two from his singing days before working with the Muppets.
So do yourself a favor and listen to your favorite Jerry songs, as well as some you may not have heard before. He may surprise you. Or if you believed everything I’ve said, maybe you’ll get exactly what you’re hoping to hear.
THE MUPPET SHOW
Halfway Down the Stairs:
Sunny:
Searchin’:
May You Always:
Don’t Sugar Me:
To Morrow:
For What It’s Worth:
Two Lost Souls:
In the Good Old Summertime:
Lady Be Good:
Hold Tight, Hold Tight (Want Some Seafood Mama):
Little Bit of Dis:
Sam’s Song:
Frog Kissin’:
While My Guitar Gently Weeps:
Leave Me Some Magic:
Blackbird:
Goodnight Sardine:
MUPPET MOVIES/SPECIALS
Happiness Hotel:
Gone Fishin’:
It Feels Like Christmas:
Barbeque:
The One Bathing Suit:
SESAME STREET:
Batty Bat:
I Can’t Help It:
Telephone Rock:
The Letter N:
It’s Zydeco:
Meet Me at the Bus Stop:
The Count’s First Day of School:
Cripple Creek:
FRAGGLE ROCK
Follow Me:
Fraggle Rock Rock:
I’ve Seen Troubles:
Catch a Tail by the Tiger:
Helping Hand:
Shine On Me:
NON-MUPPET
Little Red:
Get Yourself Free (Happy Little Song):
Noah’s Ark:
Tides:
Separation:
Easy Come, Easy Go:
Many thanks to Craig Shemin for the Truro Daydreams videos. Click here to sing along with Jerry on the ToughPigs forum!
by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com
