The Muppet Show premiered in the U.S. on September 20, 1976. This family-friendly creation of puppeteer Henson still brings laughter, wonder, and joy to kids of all ages.

James (Jim) Maurey Henson was born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1936. His maternal grandmother was a quilter, needleworker, and painter who encouraged his burgeoning creativity. While he was still in high school and already skilled in cartooning, Henson started performing with his puppets on a morning television show in Washington, DC. He created Kermit from the sleeve of his mother's old green coat and a couple of ping-pong balls.

In addition to being a puppeteer, Henson went on to become an artist, songwriter, inventor, artist, and film director and producer. In 1957 his "Sam and Friends" received an Emmy. In 1960 the Muppets were first seen on The Today Show. These fleece and foam creatures have received recognition unprecedented for puppets. Kermit the Frog has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002); Big Bird has been on the cover of Time magazine (1970), which stated that Henson's creations "have almost certainly been the most popular entertainment produced on Earth!" When Sesame Street was launched by Children's TV Workshop in 1969, Kermit along with Miss Piggy were joined through the years by an ever-burgeoning family of players including the Cookie Monster, Burt and Ernie, and Elmo, the furry three-year-old monster.

Quotes

"[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."
― Jim Henson in It's Not Easy Being Green

"Life is meant to be fun, and joyous, and fulfilling."
― Jim Henson in It's Not Easy Being Green

"No matter what happens, no matter what obstacles we face, we never forget one of our own."
— Kermit the Frog in Muppets from Space

Spiritual Practices

In addition to humor and good common sense, the Muppets share an unsullied wonder that helps restore our faith in life. As you listen to Kermit sing "The Rainbow Connection" in this video, suspend your disbelief and remember what wishing on a star can accomplish. Is there something calling to you — something that you're supposed to be — that you've heard too many times to ignore?


Lyrics:
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide

So we've been told
And some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Some day we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far

What's so amazing
That keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic ...

Have you been half asleep?
And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound
That called the young sailors?
The voice might be one in the same

I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me.