Howie with Sesame Street expert Michael Davis

" 1877469432218774694322. Going to change gears here a little bit. This this next half hour. We're joined by a by Michael Davis here is where your your phone toward him. Michael Davis C he's the author of street gang the complete history of Sesame Street. Yeah and I don't have them on here because so he went to the university North Carolina I have one because I went to the university and Ferrell I'm. He is he's also friend -- loved max robins the end he is guilty. -- I hear it used to work for at that TV guide with Max Robinson this is this is his book and it's about Sesame Street we've been talking about it it's getting any questions anything you want to know -- Sesame Street this book will only answer for you -- I -- a stimulus package for you might as."

" Blown up -- Pay Howie I think we gotta get to visit to the real the real I have some and I want to know. -- want to know what he's also worked with Mac so that's why -- is joining us here it's ordinary decide you know -- anything to talk do you how everybody -- waiting for the free -- openness that's right yeah -- Really -- there were supposed to be your terms and discipline part -- I mean. I want you how we got this Michael I -- cool what what exactly did he let big bird dude looks in order to get all that material. He was given total access Macs as you know saw. About potato off it's an unauthorized biography but they -- tell us about tell us about big bird -- that's -- I never know I never -- when he of this stuff you're okay. There always been a question you know big big bird you know whether he was male female you know go orientation it's -- patent thing no doubt."

" Girl who was. Outer whatever it is. Well you know inside big bird is a guy named Carol spinning and and he is there's a name within. The world. I -- are American. Oh at home. And they you know he's from here he lives in the Massachusetts. Connecticut border and he got his start here in Boston a WH DHE was on the Bozo show. And -- ocean killing UN so your listeners may remember mr. lion. Mr. lion would come out and need as one of the boys and girls you know what their name was and he had thirty seconds to take their name which he drew on out of big -- Add and he turned their name into an animal many give the child the picture and that big cool Joe cartoon. Mr. -- Really America and that's kuril that's Carol spinning and he still he still -- after all these years years he turned 75 the day after Christmas. He's still doing big bird and Oscar the same man and he's not schizophrenic destined for Bernard. And this is a grouch that lives in the trash can. We're we're really take it tape or film these these are called and Astoria studios in Queens where the Marx Brothers filmed in the 1930s in Queens and queen of all point -- okay we're going back to the Caroline that -- thing aren't --"

" I don't know I just wish you know that I think they've been you know had says studios in no way in that the outer Borough since silent movie -- yes it's still there it's a great place. So if you got a question about about Sesame Street give us a call max is on the line here where this is Michael they missed the author of street gang the complete history of Sesame Street. In new you're gonna be at you're being Cambridge this evening signing books correct at the -- 7 o'clock Harvard -- in no Harvard Square."

" And it's actually say you'll get full value for your entertainment dollars extra left for Africa. So who actually know Jim -- been dead -- since 1990 died at 53 yes in Corso who runs the operation now okay. Well that the Jim Henson company as still as has a hand in providing puppeteers for. The from the Muppets -- Sesame Street now that the book has an arc in it I doubt. The sale of the Muppets -- the attempted sale of the -- just before Jim Henson died today at Walt Disney company. Henson wanted to sell the so called classic Muppets that's the Muppet Show Muppets that the once from the films to do is deep but he did not. Want to sell the Muppets and Sesame Street he thought that they belonged to children. And upon his death he wanted to trademark to go to CGW children's television workshop which is now called sesame workshop well. Michael -- he wanted all the Muppets -- Nutten. And so there was this cool this this tug of war between the two men. And Henson died before it could be resolved and you have to read the book to find out how it all worked out but. All how does that nexus and I SL and I don't know I. But. The truth is dead heads in was a -- Boss he hired well and then the people that he hired also hired well. So they've carried on in his tradition and the puppeteers to who handled the -- these days are as brilliant performers as was the first generally old low -- of them are you know some of them -- and -- Cape Cod is the wonderful Jerry Nelson I don't want to say he's old but he is a yet. Veteran puppeteer in my upper tier. But they also have a a new generation of of -- performer including. The wonderful Stephanie to bruise -- who was cape munster an avenue Q did you see avenue Q now oh wonderful dangerous show on Broadway that you glove I think."

" Hey if Michael -- you talk about -- be a wonderful book split in the book key also the shall we say got very close to some of the people he worked with. But I didn't -- Macs are you saying he touched everything but the third rail. I think you have to read the book and yeah but the equipment for. And aren't you glad I suggested a month earlier so my matches going straight to Haiti's. -- but. -- a ticket already punched her credit for the people who don't know that there would be sex and you in a book about Sesame Street Michael I think -- to a new afraid of the air perhaps Roy asked the and actually what there -- a lot of drama."

" And that people didn't realize what was going on behind the scenes and there's another Boston angle here Joe or -- got his start. Here as a pianist that in Boston he was -- him piano piano prodigy went to Harvard. Did a lot of cocktail piano here and worked on the cape and he -- Sesame Street its signature sound he was the composer that rural those great tunes and he was this great complex funny and Christine warm gregarious guy but he was also very difficult. And his story is very much because she -- the past tense do you use the past tense and yeah unfortunately comin' down for breakfast he's not and that was about a bit of a curse to some of the men who worked on Sesame Street and curiously. Their first names begin with a letter. Jim Henson's just the one that you know but it was John stone executive producer Joe were posed -- a guy named Jeff moss they all died young. And you have to read the book to it to take it he understands full scope of what these guys gave two kids. In there you're working on Sesame Street --"

" Go ahead and Mac all how else is gonna say that one of those the wonderful things about Mike Mike's book and and I don't get a percentage on -- every copy -- it. Is that -- really does read like a great novel on it is kind of surprising how much you know we think everybody -- Sesame Street and has this idea of you know Burton earning an Elmo and -- But it is indeed the real behind the scenes dramas like it's like a great American story misses is terrific. It'd be really is a page turner it's like as a great novel."

" Let's take some calls we have full lines here so people want to talk and -- you'll be you'll be at the -- tonight -- Harvard Square at 7 o'clock am wearing a crimson -- a real. What are sucked up and Emily and I can and Carolina blue. Dress shirt here and that's. A button now would you put your listeners like to hear reaching the Carolina fight song version at all until later well known -- unknown all right. -- if anything will go to Harvard with -- what we we do appreciate -- that -- Harvard Harvard does sort of redeemed Carolina and a way last -- absolutely we appreciate their victory over the -- this is it was -- revenge is sweet yes John you're next with Howie Carr and Michael Davis author of street -- the complete history of Sesame Street go ahead John."

" I gotta -- real important question. Well again only big bird could see this not by rob the guests are at what point did everybody that they and MMY."

" Okay good question and -- the reason they began to allow everyone deceased not -- love to -- was and there were a couple of major cases in the news in the united states of kids who were being abused Ed daycare centers. And part of the story there was to kids were coming home and telling their parents the truth for the parents weren't listening to them. And the people at Sesame Street thought you know we're not suits -- sure it's a good idea to have this character big bird who really is a surrogate child. Not being believed by the adults on the set. So they created the story arc where everybody. The recognized. Snuggle up against for what he is sort of this. Cross between -- oh a -- behemoth and an elephant and that's that's the the reason why that happened."

" Max why did you laugh with that question that was a good question you you know the credit questions we get on the show Lisa I mean there's another little strange but there that there was a decent question it was an excellent question real and the answer was even better. Okay and affectionately -- that's a good question 1877469432. To Jack -- next with how we card Michael Davis author of street gang the complete history of Sesame Street go ahead Jack."

" lives just remodeled it. Mike we be signing up books and probably this week."

" Not in Marblehead but tonight in Cambridge."

" Remedy anatomy of the -- ceramics and I point this week."

" I would love to be a professor remix goodness gracious but no unfortunately not. Perhaps later."

" Well Mike we've had -- there a couple of times."

" You know this. Yeah -- between books well."

" I always say always signed three copyrighted -- forming I'd expect the copy -- you. Can hardcover paperback I guess I cover iPod this weekend -- greed hey Mike quick question player burner anywhere they supported the question eight in California this --"

" Oh yeah. I have I have one more question yeah like anything you can -- they would listen I know you want whenever we get together you. We talked about how how -- you Allah Ali the -- home remodeling and I religion lens and I'm sure I've -- governor on the model about signing up my boy issues and one of the commercials from a recent talk and I get the residuals from how we are not."

" When the phone don't ring Jacqui although it's made. What are they stood very except -- by 18774694322. -- your next with how we guard Michael Davis author of its street gang with complete history of Sesame Street go ahead -- Give their nail. Meals gone Bob your next with how we guard Michael Davis go ahead Bob."

" Gave -- one and also anybody here knew what that Kermit the frog says when night Jim Henson --"

" Oh did you know the answer to this job. I don't I hear it yeah I feared -- is CNB stand by what the seventh second can't use your finger on the buzzer sandy okay your fingers buzzer go ahead what did Kermit the frog say Bob when Jim Henson died. Now. Call -- go -- it. Mike you're next with how we car. And Michael Davis author of please complete history of Sesame Street street gang you can order it off from our website now we cart dot com Mike you're next with how we Karr and Michael Davis go ahead."

" Okay Bert and Ernie. Well it was imperative -- fan of the it's a wonderful life because the cab driver who was found bird and a couple of serving."

" Yeah I think that's spoke Laura I don't know -- leave that explanation of where Bert and Ernie came from and there's no doubt -- coincidences it's a coincidence but. The people who are there -- say that's that just didn't happen."

" Okay just got those accords as they haven't yet and somebody says that she buyer. Yeah don't make dad dad I'll show you how much I can demonstrate what are the kids for the kiddo the second grade must release a report. Bob Byrd did a bit it was called the brilliant but we also politics. Did he do they ever ever show Brooke worked -- can't."

" Yeah they have as a matter of fact and in this why -- you want to know the answer to that might."

" Guys it's funny as hell I. It would -- the biggest -- like much but they here's all the left oracle shouldn't we -- second grader Ali yeah."

" Here's the funniest part I was ready to give you a serious answer. I -- You know in the most recent season of Sesame Street Bert and Ernie are three. Three dimensional characters their computer generated it's really kind of fun way to to refresh the characters so they both have legs now. -- get American courage. He did not. Record he did not Jim Henson -- the other were and that he did not he died from a -- a congress that yes she that he was out there and it's wrong. He died for a raging streptococcus infection and Jim Henson could have been saved had he gone to a hospital even twelve hours before his death but. We know a lot more these days doctors do -- streptococcus a a lot less was known in 1990 but the bottom line is that. The -- could've saved his own life if you agreed to go to the hospital and he didn't what they really phobic good doctors might I don't know focus -- were deceit and like going to doctors but he did -- he had his acne scars treated by a doctor. I -- but on the other hand the year before he passed he had walking pneumonia in London and he decided not to go to a doctor in any shrugged off -- you know he got better. He uses got a personality MX he came to work every day no matter what if you get the flu we can do work we Jean Kohl came to work he just. Posted every day we know all the people like that you know though his mother was a Christian scientist. But he never says that he was so I mean there's a bit of a mystery there but in of the said -- he's gone. And and he wasn't around to me to ask him I was sitting had been."

" 1877469432. To -- for one more segment is -- Michael Davis she's the author of street gang it's the complete history of Sesame Street you can order -- our website just out to be -- the cool tonight signing in Cambridge and Harvard Square signing -- books. At -- 7 o'clock in a door reading 187746943. Due to will be right back from our car. Here are some of the rules that apply to all WR KOK oh."

" 1877469432. To those toll free number of allowing commercial with a one more segment is Michael Davis. The author of the new more extreme -- to complete history of Sesame Street and they should be signing books tonight at the Harvard coop."

" Harvard Square in Cambridge get there at 7 o'clock you can get more. What can get an autograph deal could be doing a reading as well be the -- if you can get through today to answer to ask your question you can ask him tonight babysit your kids afterwards anyway yeah -- double what. Hello -- at the acoustic guitar. Picabo copy your book as well are they could do the Brothers Bulger its -- it still selling fairly well I think soon to be a major motion picture but I would hope so I would I would hope so I don't keep my fingers crossed. 18774694322. Lets just give back to a phone lines to go again -- four lines ever since you got here you can we get museum -- answer questions and no no I do that I'm always a Monday -- boot manager don't know have you listened today to. Five but this we could ask him the traditional question for him -- guy what's out there apparently. Is -- comin' back pick it -- That's. It's the greatest show allowed O'Reilly and -- originating TV's greatest moment in about an island what's that Stanley guys always -- if there's -- villagers were there were going to rip the brotherhood. Now. I'm I'm gonna. Patrick you're next with how we guard Michael Davis in max robins is also here go ahead Patrick."

" Hello while mr. -- Michael. Okay I don't have they would set out as moderate in the good production of Sesame Street because it did public broadcasting. It just didn't people who are well it -- Sesame Street except. Our taxpayer dollars to make this show."

" They did the beginning. -- the US office of education actually came up with four million dollars back in 1969. To helped launch to show. The other four million came from the Ford foundation in the Carnegie foundation and could -- corporation rather. But they don't they don't take money from the government anymore."

" They don't outfit debate but did this -- aired on are on on not yeah -- no nation yes it's still on PBS yes. Debate take money back. Immediately gives the four million dollars back well I think that over the give it -- Jeff -- I really didn't -- does that we're using. What -- Did that hello just -- and general let you know the bailout it's did you do your work in the area and that's what -- would play like -- all the toys they spell it like the water park in Pennsylvania area added debt and bitten and everything. No deterrent they're dubbed healthy. Million it's -- billion dollar corporation I'm just wondering if they -- back and it still aired on taxpayer funded. Stations luck and accident PBS first eight Nickelodeon shows whatever -- a standalone."

" Are you -- Patrick they had kind of an advantage over the banana splits."

" Commented. To get what channel don't want. I don't you have to go to -- there. During my -- do with a nutrient rich man oh. Well there's -- though -- in a more what are the within this -- stuff that is my next month. Help time."

" pointed that it not take back money into the the taxpayer Kabul as the again the other shows on PBS so whatever -- stand alone and they still -- know."

" The next then what I'll do they get it did they do they give any money to the government anymore to the -- they kick anything back to PBS no no okay thanks for the call Patrick Jeff you're next with how we guard Michael Davis author of street -- the complete history of Sesame Street and max -- is on the line -- be author of the banana splits the real story both."

" Hey they always be true true question my what are they were slow walking around Manhattan yeah. She said that the street weird John Lennon was murdered will be opening street scene for Sesame Street from the 1970 X."

" Don't they don't make that bar no not true it's another that's a bit too -- story that's not true. No no no I thank you thanks Jeff won eight sevenths -- rose early stories float around semi straight out. What I know max Robbins story. -- but we'll let you back on Monday for -- Axelrod is weren't meant to that I want to hear about you guys it -- North Carolina and who is an alien yeah. Yeah Jim -- next with Howie Carr and Michael Davis in max robins Michael as the author of street gang the complete history of Sesame Street go ahead jump."

" I -- I. I can't quit after that senior I don't Cynthia how it is the first so I call for Sesame Street was the reason why. They're like -- they're great. I'm very excited to learn -- you know and she he's getting pretty well for the concept that's Sesame Street had. Where they -- just -- of state here that would spit out you know are sort of -- well no bid if you like might call Michael yes I am. I was trying to expand on YouTube bed at night I got don't know a better name or how I might be able to find the."

" Yeah how well what you're referring -- is something that was part of the electric company. Another show created by children's television workshop they're the ones the did the silhouettes."

" Thank you cannot make."

" Do you find it on YouTube yes yes thanks if it beat it beat it. Okay they go Jim you got it thanks for the call Jerrold your -- with how we Karr and Michael Davis go ahead Gerald."

" LA I don't deny it I don't look at her questions about Michael and Matt yeah. Okay at all -- first since you're the last self. I don't feel left I'm disturbed you don't have to play all all gonna bid -- nature at all they had. What I thought was going to be a Muppet show. Every action. But it was really -- in very bad."

" Sounds like Michael knows more about I'm gonna DiMarco through Mike he can he has hit it was called. The studio DC and it was another naked attempt by the Walt Disney company -- I threw an impressionist. Good news note none at all. And it it wasn't even good cheesy it was bad -- Okay there's the answer for that okay Michael Davis thanks for being with us the title your book is street -- the complete history of Sesame Street there's an audio book version. Then the narrator is -- for -- who has big bird and Oscar. And you'll be where tonight at seven. Www. Street -- book dot com if -- in your pajamas who want to order the book. And -- car."

" Coaches. The best match -- in college. Football history."

" Why does this -- didn't keep feeling my lungs are gonna come out of my chest. -- it."

" But Tyson notes one of the ways your body clears itself you can despite coughing and that's why will -- and PM max has formulated with a double dose of the medicine that helps your body clear -- Compared to religious media and it helps control your call protests and knows the relief unique mobile testing DL max. Double the strength against -- for a reason for -- director. Fouls and want to talk radio window of personality. -- there's reminded movement. Followed by Rush Limbaugh all those who dream on Boston's."