MusicRadar

Sesame Street rocks harder than you, fact!

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It's been an astonishing 40 years since classic children's TV show Sesame Street debuted in 1969, and the Muppet characters are still flapping strong.

While the show has won hundreds of awards for its educational content and Jim Henson's amazing characters, the show's musical heritage is the jewel in its crown. Indeed, a character from Sesame Street is (and probably always will be) the only puppet ever to appear before the US Congress when in April 2002, Elmo testified in urging support for increased funding in music education. Go Elmo!

However what really gets music fans talking are the countless musical guest stars who've appeared on the show over its 40 year history. From Ray Charles to Kiss's Paul Stanley (really), you can find pretty much every one of them on YouTube but to celebrate the anniversary, we've chosen 11 of our favourites.

Oh, and make sure you read to the end for a special drumming guest star from another show.

Yes, that one.

Here are just 11 of MusicRadar's favourites…

Norah Jones

Jones plays Don't Know Why – wondering with Elmo why 'Y' is missing

Feist

"1,2,3,4…" A cute re-write of the indie princess's iPod tracking hit but more importantly – don't those chickens look like ZZ Top?

Paul Simon

Simon plays Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard… in a fake schoolyard. There's probably something deep to say about that.

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is a legend. But what the f*** is he singing? And as for that sweater…