out of the strange, still dusk-

nasubionna:

Jerry Nelson, 1934 - 2012

I think I had some sort of psychic moment today, I am not even kidding.  

Even though it is August, I was listening to the soundtrack to “Muppet Christmas Carol” in the car on the way to work this afternoon, and I specifically was thinking about how awesome Jerry Nelson is, and how he seemed to be heavily featured on almost every song.  He was the Ghost of Christmas Present, Jacob Marley, and of course Tiny Tim.  I mean, if you listen to the Ghost of Christmas Present’s song right next to Tiny Tim singing, you would never in a million years think it was the same dude.  His vocal range is incredible.  In addition, I was particularly enjoying picking out his voice as various background/minor characters (“It’s even worse for mouses”).  So I generally spent a good 2 hours today thinking about him and his massive amount of voice-acting, singing and puppeteering talent and how much I love him.  I thought about the fan letter and drawing I sent him about 3 months ago, and wondered if he’d ever write back.

And then I get home tonight after an extremely long day, and think I should go to bed but instead turn on the computer “just for a second” before going to sleep and low and behold, find out via various Muppet Tumblrs that Jerry passed away today.  So, naturally, “just a second” has turned into an hour of lighting a candle in his honor, scanning a photo out of one of my Muppet books to add to the internet, and making this post, all while listening to him and Louise Gold singing a beautiful song at Jim Henson’s funeral. 

His passing is not a huge surprise, as he was 78 years old and had been having serious health troubles for some time now.  But it is still incredibly sad.  As Tough Pigs puts it, he’s had a hand (or voice) in Muppet/Sesame Street productions in the last 6 decades, his latest voice performance being just this year.  That’s incredible.  I LOVED that he reprised his classic role of Muppet Announcer for the movie in 2011.  He’s just always been there, and always been happy to be involved in Muppety stuff, despite his health setbacks.  It’s so sad that that won’t be the case any longer.  

Jerry was probably my favorite Muppeteer after Jim Henson himself.  I am in awe of his vast vocal abilities, and there’s something else about him that I just love.  He does so much heavy lifting for very little public recognition.  He was generous to fans, kind and responsive and funny, open with his thoughts and memories.  I think part of my love for him is that he reminds me of my Dad in many ways, both physically and just something about the way he carries himself in interviews.  I love his characters.  I love listening to him sing.  

His talent and the vast amount of good works that he has put into the world cannot be overstated.  He was pivotal in my development as a human being, and I will always remember him fondly and with much love.  I wish I could have met him and heard that voice in person.  I hope that he got my letter in time to read my appreciation, but if he didn’t it’s OK because surely he must know how much the world loved him.  

Rest in Peace, Jerry Nelson.  Thanks for everything.