A legendary puppeteer passed away recently. Jerry Nelson was a key performer in the classical group of Muppet performers, praised by Jim Henson for his versatility and singing talent. He performed many of the secondary characters on The Muppet Show, like Kermit’s nephew Robin, bass player Floyd Pepper, sports commentator Louis Kazagger, space-pig Dr Julius Strangepork, boomerang fish throwing Lew Zealand and many others. Jerry was also the voice and hands behind major characters like Gobo the Fraggle and Emmet Otter in Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. His most most famous character was probably Count von Count from Sesame Street.

Over at Scandinavian Muppet Art we’re paying tribute to Jerry’s work. Today’s beautiful piece is by my friend and colleague Jimmy Wallin. Here’s my drawing remembering Jerry:

As I go to work every morning and coming back in the evening, I’m greeted by street musicians performing at the train station, in the tunnel leading to the platforms. Some of them are really good, others should perhaps practice a bit more… Anyway, wouldn’t it be great to come to the train station one morning and find Gobo and Floyd singing “Follow me”? Come to think of it, I’d probably stay and listen all the time, and be late for work.

RIP Jerry Nelson, and thank you for the music.