Classic Sesame Street - Roosevelt Franklin's Alphabet

Lo and behold, here's a classic lip-synced Muppet bit from 1969, featuring the voices of Matt Robinson and Loretta Long (the original Gordon and Susan). Note how incredibly butch Roosevelt sounds here - this must have been his very first appearance.

Whew! Even I'm amazed I was able to post this.

• Category

  Music

[Lashid4u]

Good times was NOT racist, just because they were poor and in the projects. I can say this because I'm from the projects - born where Good Times were supposed to be, the same year the show came out. The family was poor, but still had PRIDE and dignity, and had episodes that were uplifting and empowering (Black Jesus, the episode where Michael pointed out how racially biased tests were ..and episodes on child and alcohol abuse and its dangers)

[lusciousadria]

Wow! I'm 40 and I remeber watching this when I was a kid. It's how I learned my ABC's! I used to like the music because it was jazzy and dance along. Thanks so much to whoever posted this. It took me WAAAAAY back!

[Craig Moore]

Now I know why I grew up liking R&B. :)

[Moe Hammond]

Everyone check out Roosevelt Franklin in the new hip hop documentary 'THE 50 MOST ESSENTIAL HIP HOP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME'. Watch now on youtube.com Thank you.

[paukenmeister]

Roosevelt Franklin was *NOT* retired due to PC pressure. He was retired because parents/teachers were worried that children would imitate his rebellious/hyper behavior. This behavior was portrayed when Northern "David" Calloway performed RF's voice.

[wileyk209zback]

I love Roosevelt Franklin's entrance:

"Skeebadeebedeepdeepdeepdeepde­epdeep! Once more, somebody called me, not only by my first, *now in deep voice* but also by my last names!"

[MsPandaRosa]

I suppose your folks meant well, but no Roosevelt Franklin? Dang! You missed out on some pretty fun and catchy tunes growing up. Plus Roosevelt always stood up for the good stuff, learn your letters, be polite, etc, just with a funky beat.

[PimpThe478]

rosevelt franklin in this year 1969 tell me if your going fine?

[PimpThe478]

love how the color seems somewhat faded love 1969.

[John Hintergardt]

Roosevelt Franklin is the coolest muppet!!!!!

[MsPandaRosa]

Mebbe it was, but Roosevelt was pretty smart, and real hip to boot! We should all be so lucky to have an upbeat friend like Roosevelt Franklin.

[supersweetgamer12345]

JAZZ HANDS!