Al Hirt (1922-1999) was a famous trumpeter and bandleader. His 1964 hit "Java" was used as the soundtrack to a recurring Muppet sketch that was performed on several variety shows as well as episode 122 of The Muppet Show.
Hirt also hosted the variety series Fanfare, on which The Muppets guest-starred in 1965. Hirt himself conversed with Kermit and a Two-Headed Muppet Monster.
References[]
- Sketches of a parody Muppet of Hirt for a Fanfare appearance have been featured in the book Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles and the exhibit Jim Henson's Fantastic World.
- The script for Sesame Street Episode 0028 describes the Hippie as an "Al Hirt puppet."
Sketch of Al Hirt, drawn by Jim Henson.