Connecticut–Caroll Spinney, who gave Big Bird his warmth and Oscar the Grouch his growl for nearly 50 years on “Sesame Street,” died Dec. 8 at his home here according to the Sesame Workshop. He was 85.
MSTies will recall that Big Bird was mentioned in a host segment in episode 318- STAR FORCE – FUGITIVE ALIEN II.

People Magazine has the story.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up.

Brooklyn, N.Y.–Irving Burgie, a singer, composer and lyricist whose songs were immortalized by Harry Belafonte during the calypso craze of the 1950s, died here Friday. He was 95.

Known professionally as Lord Burgess, Burgie was at his height in 1956 when he wrote eight of the 11 tracks on Belafonte’s celebrated album “Calypso.” One of the biggest hits from the album was “Day-O” (“The Banana Boat Song”), based on a Jamaican folk song. Burgie and William Attaway wrote the lyrics for the version sung by Belafonte.

MSTies may remember that Tom Servo sang the song during a host segment in episode K13- SST DEATH FLIGHT, while Joel Crow and Gypsy played limbo.

The New York Times has the story.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up.