Songs on the Street: 10 Collabs with Elmo and Friends
- Colleen Walker
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Hi, everyone! I’m Colleen, Savage Content’s blog editor. By the time you read this post, I’ll be on maternity leave and waist-deep in newborn diapers. In the months that my toddler has drowned my Spotify Wrapped with our house favorite Sesame Street friends (“Bih Birr,” “Bert!” and “Abby Abby Abby Abby”), I’ve finally discovered the vast ecosystem of Sesame Street collabs. Sesame Street has hosted many, many icons from pop culture and uses its longevity to continue to stack episodes with recognizable faces for parents to enjoy alongside their children. It’s refreshing and fun.
Here's 10 of my favorite collaborations! While you listen, think of me blaring these in my living room while I try to (lovingly) shield my newborn from my chaotically curious two-year-old (help!).
Elmo and India Arie “The Alphabet”
Huge fan on India. Huge fan of Elmo!
Elmo and B.B. King: “The Letter B”
You were shocked to see B.B. King on this list, huh? I sure was!
The Letter U and Smokey Robinson: “U Really Got a Hold on Me”
Smokey holds his own while the Letter U tries to steal the spotlight.
Oscar the Grouch and Johnny Cash: “Nasty Dan”
Nothing fills Oscar with more delight than such a nasty, grouchy song with the King of Country.
Cookie Monster and Ben Platt: “C is for Cookie”
Ben tries to be a voice of reason…but who can reason with Cookie? The chemistry is THERE, I tell you.
Oscar the Grouch and Cynthia Ervio: “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green”
Cynthia’s new take on old lyrics is convincing!
Elmo and John Batiste: “Heroes in Your Neighborhood”
Genuinely, my toddler loves this one. Is it John? Or is it Abby Cadabby....?
Elmo and Norah Jones: “Don’t Know Y”
Even the alphabet can inspire the blues.
Zoe, Grover, Elmo, and Destiny’s Child: “A New Way to Walk”
The children need rhythm.
The Count and Billie Eilish: “Happier Than Ever”
I love it when The Count gets to count.
BONUS! NPR Tiny Desk Concert
After a very difficult day with fighting nap as a 4-month-old, this is the video that started my firstborn’s obsession with the songs of Sesame Street:
Whether you grew up watching or are rediscovering these clips with your own kids, each duet is a reminder that music and kindness transcends generations, genres, and species (even the adorable red ones). Enjoy!!
Written by Colleen Walker