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Sing-single
Written by Joe Raposo
Date 1971
Publisher Jonico Music, Inc.
First Episode 0218

"Sing" is a Sesame Street song first performed in Season 2 with English and Spanish lyrics as "Sing"/"Canta."

It has since been sung a number of times on the show, with many different singers, sometimes with just the English lyrics, and (on a couple occasions) in English and American Sign Language.

Like "Bein' Green," it too has become an American standard, having been performed by a number of pop artists (sometimes credited as "Sing a Song"). Of particular note, the Carpenters' recording adds a new second verse that has occasionally been used in Sesame Street and Muppet performances.

Sesame Street[]

Image Description
Sing Canta 0218
Bob and Miguel meet on the street and both mention that they were going to sing a song. Miguel explains that the Spanish word for sing is canta. Bob proposes that they sing the same song in English and Spanish. Together, they sing "Sing"/"Canta." (First: Episode 0218)
Sing Canta 0273
Susan greets Miguel in the yard and asks about that song she heard him and Bob sing together a couple of weeks ago. She says that Bob taught her the English part and she'd love to learn the Spanish part. Together, they sing "Sing"/"Canta." (First: Episode 0273)
0386sing
Bob and Rafael in English and Spanish. (First: Episode 0386)
Sing Canta 0425
David and Luis in English and Spanish. (First: Episode 0425)
0493 Sing
Bob and Luis sit with the kids in the yard for a night time rendition of "Sing/Canta" for vocals and guitar. (First: Episode 0493)
0543g
Bob and Luis on the stoop with the kids, with Oscar the Grouch inserting "blah-blah" instead of "la-la." (First: Episode 0543)
Sing - Bob, Susan, Luis, kids
Bob and Luis (on guitar) in English and Spanish with Susan and the kids as backup. (First: Episode 0655)
0900 01i Sing
Bert leads the cast in a rendition of "Sing" from his bathtub. (First: Episode 0900)
LilyTomlin-Sing
Lily Tomlin in English and American Sign Language with two children on the steps of 123 Sesame Street. (First: Episode 0901)
Singolivialinda
Olivia and Linda in English and American Sign Language. (First: Episode 1330)
1715-Sing
While manning Oscar's Dial-A-Grouch service in Episode 1715, Maria pleasantly sings a few lines from the song.
1736e
In his apartment, Bob gives the Two-Headed Monster a singing lesson: singing "Sing." (First: Episode 1736)
1783f
Telly Monster and Mr. Ortiz (First: Episode 1783)
3128i
Elmo, Bob, and the kids to Wanda Cousteau. (First: Episode 3128)
3936b
Luis and Rosita (First: Episode 3794)
SuzieSing
Suzie Kabloozie (First: Episode 3794)
3802-02
Big Bird, Gordon, Gabi, her friends, Alan, Gina, and Zoe. (First: Episode 3802)
3824g
The Dingers held a ding-a-long, and led the cast into singing a variation, "Ding a Song." (First: Episode 3824)
Celeb.nathanlane
Nathan Lane with the Oinker Sisters. (First: Episode 3830)
3839f
Big Bird, Bolo, Telly, Rosita, Maria, and The Birdketeers. (First: Episode 3839)
Celeb.gloriaestefan
Gloria Estefan with Rosita, alternating between English and Spanish lyrics. (First: Episode 3841)
3853-25
Denyce Graves and penguins. (First: Episode 3848)
Celebrity montage featuring (1) Patti LaBelle, Elmo and the Kids; (2) Mr. Noodle and Elmo; (3) Gloria Estefan and Rosita; (4) Patti LaBelle and Elmo; (5) Nathan Lane and the Oinker Sisters; (6) Denyce Graves; (7) Bela Fleck and chickens; (8) Katie Couric, Elmo and Baby Bear; (9) Trisha Yearwood and the Martians; (10) Ben Stiller and Telly; (11) Natalie Merchant and Prairie Dawn; (12) Vanessa Williams and sheep; (13) R.E.M. and Telly; (14) Garth Brooks and Wolfgang; (15) Doug E. Doug, Telly, Baby Bear, Papa Bear and Anything Muppets; (16) Isaac Stern and Elmo; (17) Maya Angelou, Grover and Herry Monster; (18) Denyce Graves and penguins; (19) Fran Drescher and Baby Natasha; (20) Noah Wyle and Big Bird; (21) Conan O'Brien, Herry, Telly and monsters; (22) Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis with Elmo and Telly; (23) Terrell Davis with Telly and a Muppet football; (24) Rosemary Clooney and Herry. (First: Episode 3851)
CabSing2
Cab Callowmouse (First: Episode 3892)
3949e
Bob and Telly. (First: Episode 3949)
3981o
A sand animated segment of several animals with vocals by Stephanie D'Abruzzo. (First: Episode 3981)
3983f
Zoe, Rosita, and Lulu. (First: Episode 3983)
3991a
Alan, Big Bird, Lulu and the kids. (First: Episode 3991)
Celeb.dixiechicks
Dixie Chicks and a trio of Muppet chickens. (First: Episode 3999)
4046d
The song appears throughout the street plot of Episode 4046. Bob sings a verse during "Something in the Air," the sheep bleat the song throughout and Rosita hums the song to herself when she first appears.
4053h
Big Bird, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and The Kids. (First: Episode 4053)
4075f
Miles (First: Episode 4075)
4084.9
Miles and Gabi. (First: Episode 4084)
CharliePluth-Sing
Charlie Puth with Grover, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and Elmo. (First: Episode 5005)

Specials and appearances[]

Image Description
Sing Julie on Sesame Street
Julie Andrews and Perry Como in Julie on Sesame Street. (1973)
Big Bird exits to an instrumental version of the song in Bob Hope's World of Comedy. (1976)
Unima1980 8
Big Bird at the World Puppetry Festival. (1980)
SSEmmys-1982
The song is used in sections during the Sesame Street cast's performance at the Daytime Emmy Awards. (1982)
BobLuisSing
Bob and Luis in Magic on Sesame Street. (1988)
20years-ending
The entire cast in Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting. (1989)
Celebrity-sing-tribute
A montage with (1) Patti LaBelle and (2) The Abyssinian Baptist Church Chancel Choir, (3) Barbara Cook, (4) The Kids, (5) Big Bird, (6) Elmo, (7) Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, (8) Forgetful Jones, (9) Count von Count, (10) Grover, (11) Wolfgang, (12) Maria and Luis, (13) Barbara Bush, (14) Cookie Monster, (15) Max Roach, (16) Kathie Lee Gifford, (17) Isaac Stern, (18) Two-Headed Monster, (19) Candice Bergen, (20) Savion, (21) Glenn Close on the special Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music. (1990)
SesameSongsHomeVideo
A brief instrumental version accompanied the Sesame Songs Home Video opening title card. (1990)
Sesamestreetjam
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the kids, and the cast in Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration. (1993)
Sing Stars and Street Forever
The cast and celebrity guests (mixed with "Our Favorite Street") in Stars and Street Forever. (1994)
BBirdSings10
Big Bird and Snuffy in Big Bird Sings! (1995)
MusicMaker-Sing
Grover, Ernie, Elmo and Cookie Monster in Music Maker (1999)
EiG-Sing
Elmo and the Pesties sing to Grizzy in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland: Sing and Play. (1999)
Sing - Elmo's World Singing
School kids in Elmo's World: Singing. (2000)
BostonPops-Canta
Rosita and Maria on Evening at Pops. (2000)
Celebrity-sing-dvd
A montage with (1) Vanessa Williams and sheep; (2) Patti LaBelle and Elmo; (3) Dixie Chicks and chickens; (4) Conan O'Brien with Herry Monster, Telly and monsters; (5) Nathan Lane and the Oinker Sisters; (6) Gloria Estefan and Rosita; (7) Denyce Graves and penguins; (8) Fran Drescher and Baby Natasha; (9) Liam Neeson and Ernie with some kids; (10) Katie Couric, Baby Bear and Elmo; (11) Ben Stiller and Telly; (12) Maya Angelou, Grover and Herry; (13) Doug E. Doug, Baby Bear, Telly, Papa Bear and Anything Muppets; (14) R.E.M. and Telly; (15) Peter Jennings and Prairie Dawn; (16) Mr. Noodle and Elmo on What's the Name of That Song? (2004)
Sesame tribute close partial 2004 Emmys
Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover, Rosita, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo and The Count, with Al Roker, Alex Trebek, Jane Pauley, Paige Davis, Lorenzo Lamas, Meredith Vieira, Emeril Lagasse and Drake Hogestyn at the 2004 Daytime Emmy Awards.
Sing Christopher Awards 2009
Alan Muraoka, Alison Bartlett, Emilio Delgado, Bob McGrath, Fran Brill with Zoe, Kevin Clash with Elmo, Caroll Spinney with Oscar the Grouch, Roscoe Orman, and Sonia Manzano at the Christopher Awards. (2009)
Sspreformemmy2
At the 2009 Daytime Emmy Awards, the cast of Sesame Street, celebrating their 40th anniversary, sang a medley of songs, including "Sing."
Sing Capitol Fourth 2009
Rosita and Natasha Bedingfield at A Capitol Fourth. (2009)
Lucy Schwartz Elmo Sing
Lucy Schwartz and Elmo at a screening of Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey. (2011)
Sing 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Gordon at the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.
2012 Sesame Gala Sing
Sesame Workshop Benefit Gala (2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Sing NYCC 2012 Darth Chicken
Gordon, Elmo and Darth Chicken at New York Comic Con. (2012)
SezmeXmasConcert
Santino Fontana, Ernie, Bert, Rosita, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and a child chorus in Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. (2014)
Sing HBO TCA party 2016
Billy Barkhurst (with Ernie), Eric Jacobson (with Bert), David Rudman (with Cookie Monster), Suki Lopez, Ryan Dillon (with Elmo), Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (with Abby), Carmen Osbahr (with Rosita), and Matt Vogel (with the Count) at the HBO TCA party. (2016)
Puppets for Puppetry 2018 Sing
Cheryl Henson, Alan Muraoka, Jennifer Barnhart (with Zoe), Brian Henson (with a Jim Henson Anything Muppet), Emilio Delgado, Matt Vogel (with the Count), Big Bird, David Rudman (with Cookie Monster), Eric Jacobson (with Oscar), Jack McBrayer, Jason Mraz, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (with Abby Cadabby) Bobby Moynihan, Ryan Dillon (with Elmo), Drew Massey (with a penguin), Colleen Smith (with a penguin), Bill Barretta (with a penguin), and Joey Mazzarino (with Bozo) at Puppets for Puppetry. (2018)
Sing Humans of Sesame Street MOMI Dec 2015
"The Humans of Sesame Street" at Museum of the Moving Image. (2015)
Sing Retrospectacle
Bret McKenzie, Rosita, Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, and Count von Count at The Jim Henson Retrospectacle Live in Concert. (2018)
Noimage
The cast in multiple Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades. In 2009, it was incorporated in a medley with "What Makes Music?"
Noimage
In several Sesame Street Live shows including A Sesame Street Mystery: The Case of the Missing Rara Avis, Big Bird's Super Spectacular Totally Amateur Show, Around the World, Big Bird and the ABCs, and Elmo's Coloring Book.
CarollRetire-Sing02
Emilio Delgado, Matt Vogel (with the Count), Ryan Dillon (with Elmo), John Kennedy (with The Amazing Mumford), Jennifer Barnhart (with Zoe), Peter Linz (with Ernie), Tyler Bunch (with Louie), Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (with Abby), Alan Muraoka, Desiree Casado, Loretta Long, Frankie Cordero (with Rudy), Pam Arciero (with Grundgetta), Stacey Gordon (with Julia), Bryant Young, Lara MacLean (with Grover), Alison Bartlett, Sonia Manzano, Martin P. Robinson (with Telly), Fran Brill, Stephanie D'Abruzzo (with Prairie Dawn), Carmen Osbahr (with Rosita), Suki Lopez, David Rudman (with Cookie Monster), Eric Jacobson (with Oscar), and Big Bird at Caroll Spinney's retirement party.
2019Emmys-Sing
Abby, Elmo, Alan, and a group of kids at the 2019 Daytime Emmy Awards.
TinyDesk-Sing
Big Bird, Abby, Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, and Rosita on Tiny Desk Concerts.
Sing Jazz Lincoln Center
Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Rosita, Big Bird, Abby, and Hoots at A Swingin' Sesame Street Celebration.
SS50thSpecial-GroupCelebrates
The Sesame Street cast with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Patti LaBelle, Itzhak Perlman, and Whoopi Goldberg in Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
KennedyCenter-SingAlong
Abby and Cookie Monster at the Sesame Street Sing-Along.
Sing Kennedy Center Honors
Elmo, Abby, Grover, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, Thomas Rhett, Cedric the Entertainer, Lucy Liu, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt at the Kennedy Center Honors.
Playdate-Sing
Elmo, Louie, Abby, Rosita, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Rudy, Prairie Dawn, Zoe, the Count, Big Bird, Telly, Mae, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Alan, and Nina in Elmo's Playdate.
Welcome Sesame 2022 Sing
Tamron Hall, Cookie Monster, Gabrielle, Grover, Ernie, and Bert in Welcome Sesame.
ELLE 2023 Sing
Ernie and Bert in a 2023 appearance on Elle.
Noimage
Elmo (with a violin), Ernie (with a drum), Abby Cadabby (with a clarinet) in a Best Friends Band video.

International[]

Image Description
SW 1175 03j
On Peter Alexander präsentiert Spezialitäten Show #10 in 1975, sung by Peter Alexander, with Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, and Kermit the Frog. (YouTube)
LidiaSing
Lidia Avila in Episodio 804 of Plaza Sésamo.
Sing - 40 Jahre Sesamstrasse - Die Geburtstags-Show
A German version has been sung for Sesamstrasse as part of the international co-production's 40th anniversary live tour 40 Jahre Sesamstrasse - Die Geburtstags-Show. (YouTube)

The Muppets[]

Image Description
111sing
Lena Horne with the Muppets in The Muppet Show episode 111.
Noimage
Kermit and Mike Douglas in a 1977 appearance on The Mike Douglas Show.
Because We Care- Muppets
Backstage at The Muppet Theatre, the Muppets perform the song with Rowlf at the piano while Kermit keeps Animal in beat on the drums in Because We Care.
Sing Tony Clifton
Tony Clifton as part of a medley in The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show.
Sing Harry Belafonte
An instrumental version of the song accompanies a portion of Harry Belafonte's speech in The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson.

Non-Muppet performances[]

  • Arte Johnson leads a chorus of children in performing the song in the special Robert Young with the Young. (1973)
  • The Carpenters on their album Now & Then. The single reached #3 on the Billboard Top 100.[1] (1973)
  • Johnny Mathis on his album Killing Me Softly with Her Song. (1973)
  • Ray Conniff on his album You Are the Sunshine of My Life. (1973)
  • Linnea Reese (Lily Tomlin) sang and signed the song to her deaf children in the film Nashville. (1975)
  • The cast of Zoom on their album Zoom Tunes (Songs From The Three-Time Emmy Award-Winning Children's TV Show). Track is listed as "Sing a Song" and performed with slightly altered lyrics. (1977)
  • Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops on the album Young at Heart. (1992)
  • Wing Han Tsang in the South Park episode "Wing." (March 2005)
  • Kristin Chenoweth (with new seasonal lyrics) on her album A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas. (2008)
  • Pink Martini with Emilio Delgado on their album Splendor in the Grass. (2009)
  • Jane Monheit included the song on her album The Heart of the Matter. (2013)
  • Timmy Cleary (Jack Gore) in the pilot episode of The Kids Are Alright. (2018)

Videos[]

Releases[]

Singportal

Big Bird and friends perform "Sing," in honor of the song's composer Joe Raposo, as seen on the cover of a 1992 tribute album.

Joemathieusing

"Sing," illustration by Joe Mathieu.

Audio
  • The Best of Elmo
    (1997, Elmo, Big Bird, Telly, Hoots the Owl, Grover and the Kids)
Video
Publications
Online

Sources[]

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