The music of Sesame Street has been an indelible part of many childhoods, embedding itself in our memories with songs like “The People in Your Neighborhood,” “Rubber Ducky,” and “C Is For Cookie.” These tunes have introduced generations to the soothing, educational, and celebratory powers of music, delivering pure joy and comfort to young audiences since the show first aired in 1969.
Today, children around the globe are exposed to a wide array of children’s songs, yet the sophistication of Sesame Street’s musical offerings remains unparalleled. Bill Sherman, the show’s long-time music director, attributes this enduring appeal to the clever integration of learning and entertainment. “When you have a child who’s singing one of your songs and doesn’t even know that it’s a learning thing at the same time, that is really the ultimate thing,” Sherman explains.
The Star-Studded Musical Guest List
Sesame Street boasts perhaps the most impressive musical guest list in television history. From Destiny’s Child to Dave Grohl, Billy Joel to Diana Ross, the show has attracted a myriad of renowned artists. The current season, airing on ABC Kids, features influential performers like R&B chart-topper SZA, folk sensation Noah Kahan, and the zeitgeisty Reneé Rapp.
A standout from this year’s soundtrack is country star Chris Stapleton with his song “You Got A Friend In Music,” which Sherman describes as a future classic. “Chris Stapleton is one of those people that when he opens his voice, you can’t imagine that he could do anything else,” Sherman notes, highlighting Stapleton’s innate musicality.
Crafting Musical Magic with Modern Icons
During his tenure at Sesame Street, Sherman has collaborated with numerous modern music icons. He emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these collaborations. “Some artists really have an idea of what they want it to be like,” he says. Stapleton, for instance, was determined to write his own song, which largely remained intact through the production process.
American singer Samara Joy has also contributed to the latest season with a jazzy rendition of the iconic Sesame Street theme. Sherman’s role, as he sees it, is akin to setting the table for a creative feast, ensuring everyone involved knows the end goal and guiding the process to achieve the best outcome.
Embracing the Sesame Street Experience
Artists who fully embrace the Sesame Street experience often find it most rewarding. Sherman recounts his collaboration with Janelle Monáe on “The Power Of Yet,” a song that aligned perfectly with her creative style. “She became like her own Muppet, her own character of Janelle Monáe on Sesame Street,” Sherman recalls.
Similarly, artists like SZA, who are willing to immerse themselves in the show’s magic, often have transformative experiences. “You see a celebrity who clearly had watched Sesame Street in their childhood walk in and they’re just totally amazed,” Sherman says, noting how the presence of beloved characters like Big Bird and Elmo can evoke childlike wonder.
Maintaining Educational Integrity
While the music is undoubtedly fun, Sesame Street remains committed to its educational mission. Sherman’s personal favorites from his childhood, “C Is For Cookie” and “Bein’ Green,” exemplify the high standards set by early composers like Joe Raposo. “The founding fathers of Sesame Street music were such heavy musicians,” Sherman remarks, highlighting their ability to blend simplicity with complex musical genres.
Today, Sherman believes that children’s exposure to a broader range of music has heightened their standards. “People assume when you’re writing songs for kids that it’s being dumbed down,” he says. Instead, he encourages composers to write sophisticated songs that resonate with both children and adults.
“The key for me is not to write like a kiddie song, but also to be sophisticated. Write an earworm verse and an earworm chorus with the prayer that, if you write a great song or great chorus or great hook, then that will hook both the song and the educational idea into the child.” — Bill Sherman
Season 55 of Sesame Street is currently airing on ABC Kids and ABC iview, with its music available on the ABC Kids Listen app, streaming 24/7. As Sesame Street continues to evolve, its music remains a cornerstone of its enduring legacy, blending education with entertainment in a way that captivates audiences young and old.
