From Patti LaBelle To SZA: Black Stars Who Shined On Sesame Street

Sesame Street has been teaching and entertaining kids for decades. One way the show keeps adults entertained is by inviting celebrity guest stars. Kids might not know who icons like Ray Charles or Diana Ross are, but many of us grown-ups do, and their surprise appearances are an extra treat.

Since it first aired in 1969, Sesame Street has welcomed a wide range of famous faces to its iconic neighborhood. These celebrities come to teach new words, share valuable life lessons, and perform fun songs. Recently, it was announced that singer SZA and actor Michael B. Jordan will be joining the Sesame Street family.

Over the years, Black celebrities, in particular, have had some amazing and unforgettable moments on the show. So, which stars have made their mark on Sesame Street? Let’s take a look!

James Earl Jones, who passed away at 93 on September 9, was the very first celebrity guest on Sesame Street back in 1969. He used his deep, booming voice to slowly recite the alphabet and count to 10—and made learning sound epic.

Patti LaBelle absolutely owned her ABCs performance. She called it her favorite Sesame Street moment, saying, “I love that so many kids and younger people know me from this—and my own grandchildren get a real kick out of seeing me sing with all the characters!” Music writer Mark Anthony Neal praised LaBelle’s version for being so passionate that no one has ever matched it.

Ray Charles visited the show many times, but Sesame Street's website highlights his performance of “Believe in Yourself.” It taught kids two big lessons: the importance of braille and believing in yourself.

Whoopi Goldberg has popped up on Sesame Street multiple times over the years, as she once shared on The View.

Stevie Wonder brought serious musical energy to the show when he performed his hit “Superstition” live in 1973. His performance is often brought up as being one of the best performances on the show.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a heartwarming memory of bringing her daughters to Sesame Street in 2010. On Instagram, she wrote, “I’ll never forget the first time my daughters came to Sesame Street with me.”

Tracee Ellis Ross recently posted a throwback clip on Instagram from when she was just 10 years old. Back in the early ’80s, she appeared on the show with her famous mom, Diana Ross, and her sisters Rhonda and Chudney. In her caption, she joked about “little glasses Tracee being oh so serious” on set.

The Fugees joined Big Bird to sing “Just Happy to Be Me,” a feel-good anthem about self-love, while Arrested Development brought their vibe to a song about pride.

LL Cool J stopped by to teach Oscar, Elmo, and Abby the word of the day: “unanimous.”

Other iconic visitors have included Pharrell Williams, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Janelle Monae, Destiny’s Child, will.i.am, MC Lyte, Wyclef Jean, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Common, Michael Jackson, Smoky Robinson, and so many more.