Pianist and composer behind iconic children's TV show Sesame Street, creating beloved characters and songs like Cookie Monster and "C is for Cookie".
Joe Raposo is synonymous with the beloved children's television series Sesame Street, where he penned the show's iconic theme song, as well as timeless classics like "Bein' Green," "C Is For Cookie," and "Sing."
Born on February 8, 1937, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Portuguese immigrant parents, Joseph Soares Raposo and Maria da Ascencao Vitorino Raposo, Joe was affectionately known as "Sonny" to his family. His father, a classically trained musician, recognized Joe's musical talents early on and took on the role of his first music teacher.
Raposo attended B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River and later graduated from Harvard College in 1958. During his time at Harvard, he wrote scores for several Hasty Pudding shows, which earned him recognition. He further honed his skills at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he studied under the renowned Nadia Boulanger.
Raposo's work on Sesame Street catapulted him to fame, but it was only the beginning of his illustrious career. He went on to compose music for other popular television shows, including The Electric Company, Shining Time Station, and sitcoms like Three's Company and The Ropers, for which he wrote the theme songs.
Raposo collaborated with Dr. Seuss on three television specials, Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977), Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? (1980), and The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982). His work extended to musical theater, where he first met his future collaborator, Jim Henson.
Raposo's contributions to children's entertainment earned him multiple awards, including three Emmy Awards and a Grammy nomination. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, composers, and children's entertainers.
Joe Raposo's impact on children's television and music is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to delight audiences worldwide.
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