Jim Henson Memorial "When The River Meets The Sea" by Jerry Nelson & Louise Gold

I thought this video was already on youtube, but I couldn't find it. I feel, especially since the passing of Mr. Nelson, the muppet fans deserve to see this. This took place at the memorial held for Jim Henson on May 21, 1990 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. I was at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World watching the 'Electrical Parade' when I got a text from my brother telling me Jerry Nelson had passed away. He was all I could think about for the rest of the trip. The next day, in tribute to Jerry, I went to see Muppet Vision 3D three times. I could be wrong, but it seems Mr. Nelson wasn't involved in that project. I didn't see his characters or hear his voice. Anyway, he was a great man. I got his autograph about 6 years ago that I will cherish always. I am so happy for him that he is now with his daughter, Richard Hunt, Jim Henson, and all the other people he loved.

[@franklowell6180]

My wife is a professional singer, and she sang this at my Mother's funeral Mass in a Catholic church. After the Mass, the priest approached my wife and asked her about the song. He told her it was beautiful, and liturgically perfect for a funeral! He was shocked when he found out it had been written for Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, but maintained how perfect it was!

[@azimuth361]

I can't hear this song without crying like baby. I don't know how they sing it without completely losing it.

[@Asongbook]

Practice and compartmentalization.

[@ronnyrickman]

I watched "Emmet Otter's Jug band Christmas" when it first aired on HBO. I was alone in the Frat house since it was Christmas break & immediately fell in love with the story & characters. However I was not ready for the slide scene when Emmet & his Ma started to sing Pa's favorite song. I began to tear up & still do every year we watch it at Christmas. RIP Jim & Jerry !!!!!!!!!!!

[@haroldwilliams1535]

I make it a point to watch Emmet Otter all jug band every Christmas..I have enjoyed so many years....R.I.P. Mr. Henson and Mr.Nelson

[@nancyking]

This is a favorite Christmas show of mine, too. I have it on DVD and watch it along with Rich Little's Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol and others. I've watched these ever since I was a kid. I cry every time they sing this song. My mom said that when my sister would watch Frosty the Snowman, she nwould cry when he melted.

[@cynthiarepass6456]

I cry all the time when I here when the river meets the sea.

[@calebg-d357]

I’m also alone during this Christmas season. As well as long as being a fellow brother! Ronny, this is my favorite Christmas movie/song and I will not forget reading this comment. Love, from one Greek brother to another.

[@justaguy864]

I don't think that people realize the impact that Jim Henson had on the world. Taking his achievements for granted is a huge misgiving.

[@danielfennessey]

Jim Henson & Jerry Nelson. Both legends. May they have found peace.

[@dsheldon57]

Jerry Nelson does Emmett Otter when he sung that song

[@zandra3632]

Look up the Muppets Christmas album , he also does this with John Denver ​@@dsheldon57

[@zmanproductionsthepuppetan4607]

Miss you Jim Henson,Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt,and Carroll Spinney.

[@jasobres]

Jerry was by far the best singer of all the Muppet performers. I miss hearing him sing.

[@bbva8293]

This has such an Appalachian sound. I loved it the first time I heard it and I think I always will.

[@nancyking]

Like the song, "Living River" by Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. It had that vibe to it.

[@overactiveimagination9647]

As one who lives in the appalachian region I can confirm this is how it sounds.

[@Rhinogradentian]

I honestly wondered where Emmet Otter is supposed to have taken place. It sounds Appalcahian but it has snow so it wouldn't be too far south, maybe Kentucky?

[@v-town1980]

I remember Jim's passing like it was yesterday. It was an extra sad day because Sammy Davis Jr. died on the same day. I still have the newspaper with two huge pics of both on the front page. I grew up in the late 70s/early 80s and watched and loved Emmit Otter from the beginning.❤

[@docdave15]

Dedicated this song to a friend of mine who passed away unexpectedly yesterday.

[@christopherwilde5080]

Louise and Jerry harmonize very nicely together.

[@laurendonovan658]

Her voice sounds like a pedal steel... it's incredible.

[@AntonioFrancisco-zf2hf]

One of the best songs and movies of all time. It's in my consciencness forever. We're not birds, were a jug band!

[@rosebyanyname]

Here from the DefunctTV episode. This is absolutely beautiful!

[@nukacolanut9274]

All I remember Jerry Nelson as...was as an otter who wanted a mother of pearl inlaid guitar for Christmas...😔

[@Dragon1813]

I remember Kermit's nephew Robin.

[@ForrestFox626]

I remember The Count making lighting and thunder happen.

[@MrBillypaw97]

i Dedicated this song to my mother i love you mom 1966 -2013 may the sea rock you to sleep to better dreams

[@nukacolanut9274]

I'm sorry about your mother :(

[@drudown76]

This gets me everytime.

[@bluestingerborg]

+Andrew La Belle Me too. :(

[@charliebowers4540]

one of the most beautiful songs about life and humility.

[@rachelboyd6612]

In tears... beautiful!

[@concordriverlady7689]

We still miss you Jim. Sesame Street needs you.

[@LaurenRichardi]

This is my favorite song from Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas. When I hear this song, it makes me think of the ones that used to be in my life. Every time I watch that movie, I can't help but sing along with Emmet and his mother. Jerry and Louise were a wonderful duet and did a beautiful job singing that song in Jim Henson's honor. RIP Jim and Jerry

[@smithyy1]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I know. I absolutely love the lyrics and melody.

[@christopherwilde5080]

I remember he voiced a character on Sesame Street named Mr. Johnson. My fav. skit featuring Mr. Johnson was with Grover at the restaurant ordering a 🍔. That was hilarious!!!

[@ToryHornsby]

This song reminds me of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Beautiful song that always gets me. One day truth and justice will be done and the river will finally meet the sea. Love this song.

[@Discogreview]

It's emmet and his mother singing you know

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

​@blaine kanel 2.0 Emmet yes, but not "Ma". The original actress that provided the voice (both singing and speaking) for Ma Otter in the 1977 special is Marilyn Sokol. The woman singing here with Jerry Nelson (who did provide the voice of Emmet) is Louise Gold.

[@zoesdada8923]

I used to watch "Emmet otters jug band Christmas" every year at Christmas time when i was a kid. It's one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@aaroncreagh4402]

What a newborn baby dreams, is a mystery... ...

[@SuperWolsey]

@Natalie SchaibleNARF

[@jamie7708]

32 years today

[@scottmoore1614]

So sad. I loved Jim Henson and everything he did, having grown up in the 70's. He left us way too soon...

[@cdd7012]

These are the voices from the actual movie... How beautiful

[@crescentfreshbret]

Carlos Davis Actually, Ma Otter was voiced by Marilyn Sokol.

[@bcdside]

Oh, my Lord! Thank you so much for posting this! "John Denver & The Muppets: A Christmas Together" is one of the greatest albums ever recorded, and this song is featured on it. It is composed by the masterful Paul Williams. Thank you again!

[@alfredbrown72]

Jimmy Henson would been proud

[@stephencrawford2951]

Absolutely beautiful. I love Jerry's voice, it has such an emotional feel to it.

[@kaylaruthhall38]

I had a tape of both movies and it just brings back memories to me .

[@shielakay]

so touching

[@jandeband]

thank you LORD for this awesome, beyond words beautiful song❤❤❤

[@lcvt8023]

thank you Jerry and Jim! your love will continue to shine on through so many of us here in time and space. Also, thank you to all who shine there beautiful light! This world is getting the healing it needs. So much love to everyone! ))♡((

[@KoriEmerson]

This brings back so many happy memories. I can't wait to get to the other side and see the new muppet show. Christmas is bitter sweet.

[@needsmoarsumthin]

I watch "Emmet Otter" every Christmas - I bought the DVD many years ago, and I was glad to see it on streaming this year. It is maybe the most wholesome show, and I cry every time, especially at this song. ❤️

[@mesquitegirl2013]

What a beautiful rendention

[@dennisrountree5376]

God bless that song and Jim Henson. He was my childhood like many others!

[@Nakadnas21]

Brought tears to my eyes..

[@Matacron]

I'm a 38-year-old man, and I feel zero shame in saying the same.

[@stormclouddashner8941]

this is from the Muppet show Emmett otters jug band Christmas!! lol i loved this as a kid

[@FragglevisionReturns]

two beautiful people

[@StrangerUK01]

So uplifting and so heartbreaking on so many levels... Beautiful Thank you

[@philipmcghee8076]

I got some sad news; my grandma from West Frankfort died today. :( I'm going to sing this song to her in West Frankfort church.

[@collgoff]

I’m sorry for your lost my grandma died not too long ago right before Thanksgiving.

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

Beautiful and meaningful. Thank you for the post

[@allywahl9118]

Beautiful.

[@Listior]

I really love you for putting together thislittle collection of videos from the memorial: great people giving their goodbyes to a wonderful person. Just read through the biography, btw.

[@johnylitalo4163]

I heard that song from John Denver & the Muppets: A Christmas Together.

[@sailormewmewinuluver1238]

The day of Jerry 's passing is always bitter sweet it's bitter cause he's gone but it's also mine and my boyfriend's anniversary

[@normanschenburn343]

This song was also sung on the John Denver and Muppets Christmas special!👍

[@rogerradue2352]

makes you miss john denver singing with the muppets when they do this song

[@Legomovie970]

Dedicated to my maternal grandmother Debbie Dinehart (a.k.a. my "Nana Brown Hairs") 😔😖😭😪😢😥

[@Erin-ce5gs]

I wonder if Jerry was related to Willie Nelson? Their singing voices sound so similar.

[@dsheldon57]

That's the song from Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas 🤶

[@MrAndroidData]

this really needs to be redone, by the muppets actors

[@heatherstahler8451]

I think when my dad passes this is what I will have to try to sing at his funeral

[@tompurnell4545]

Countray Song In Loveing Membering

[@elvissf422]

Thanks for the info. They better not close MV3D! I wouldn't mind if they enhanced it somehow without replacing Jim Henson and Richard Hunt's original work.

[@FragglevisionReturns]

I checked Muppet Wiki and you're right, Jerry wasn't in MV3D! Speaking of which, that's rumored to close soon in California to make way for a Monsters Inc ride, that news appears totally bogus because there's already a Monsters Inc ride NEXT TO MV3D!!! (At least the Florida MV3D isn't going anywhere...)

[@dsheldon57]

Jerry Nelson does Emmet when he originally sang the song

[@rantonellis]

Does Jerry Nelson not look like Emmet Otter or what?

[@mesquitegirl2013]

[@chickypooh73]

From emmet otters jug band Christmas 🎄

[@davidhough7070]

anybody know who wrote that song and when?

[@burns81981]

It was written by Paul Williams and originally featured in "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas" - I believe 1977.

[@williamjameslehy1341]

It's just allergies, I swear :-(.

[@FragglevisionReturns]

oops! it looks like you accidentally responded to the wrong person :P