Sink your fangs into this classic Muppet masterpiece that makes counting a batty good time!
The Song
"The Batty Bat" is a beloved Sesame Street song performed by the iconic Count von Count, accompanied by Ftatateeta and a troupe of dancing bats. The song is a charming waltz that serves as a fun and engaging way to teach young viewers the fundamentals of counting to three. Through its catchy melody and repetitive "one, two, three" structure, it encourages children to participate in the counting process.
The lyrics tell a delightful story, with the Count reminiscing about his childhood in an old, drafty castle in Transylvania (or the Carpathian Mountains), where he and his family learned to be happy and count by doing "the batty bat" dance. The video prominently features the Count gracefully waltzing and instructing the bats (and viewers) on the simple yet effective dance steps: "one, two, three, spread out the cape, one, two, three, twirl 'round the floor."
The Artist
The primary "artist" behind "The Batty Bat" is the groundbreaking educational children's television series, Sesame Street. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett and produced by Sesame Workshop (formerly the Children's Television Workshop), Sesame Street premiered in 1969 and revolutionized children's programming by combining entertainment with rigorous academic research.
The star of this particular segment is Count von Count, one of Jim Henson's beloved Muppets. The Count, a friendly vampire mathematician, was famously voiced and puppeteered by Jerry Nelson from 1972 until his passing in 2012. Nelson infused the Count with a distinctive voice, reportedly influenced by Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula. From 2004, Matt Vogel took over puppetry duties for the Count, eventually assuming both voice and puppetry after Nelson's death.
Chart Performance
As an educational segment produced for a public television series, "The Batty Bat" did not achieve traditional commercial chart performance like mainstream music singles. Its success is measured not in sales or radio play, but in its effectiveness as a teaching tool and its enduring popularity among generations of children.
The video segment was originally taped on October 5, 1985, and subsequently aired as part of Sesame Street programming. It has also been featured in special Sesame Street compilations, such as "Elmo Says BOO!", highlighting its status as a memorable and educational favorite.
Cultural Impact
"The Batty Bat" holds a significant place in the cultural landscape due to its association with Sesame Street, one of the most influential educational television programs worldwide. The song effectively demonstrates Sesame Street's core mission: making learning fun and accessible. By presenting counting in a musical, visual, and participatory manner, it helped countless preschoolers grasp basic numeracy skills.
Sesame Street itself has had a profound impact on global culture, praised for its innovative approach to early childhood education, its diverse cast, and its willingness to address complex social issues. With over 1,000 research studies on its efficacy and having been watched by an estimated 95% of all American children by the age of three, the show, and segments like "The Batty Bat," are woven into the fabric of childhood development for many. The Count von Count remains one of the show's most beloved characters, synonymous with making counting an exciting (and sometimes thunderous) experience.
Fun Facts
- The video for "The Batty Bat" was taped on October 5, 1985.
- Jon Stone is credited as the director of the segment.
- In the video, Noel MacNeal assisted Jerry Nelson in performing the Count von Count.
- The ensemble of bats featured additional talented puppeteers, including Richard Hunt, Kevin Clash, Pam Arciero, and Bryant Young. Martin P. Robinson specifically performed the upside-down bat.
- The song is a musical waltz, which adds to its playful and slightly spooky, Transylvanian atmosphere.
- "The Batty Bat" was prominently featured in the Sesame Street Halloween special "Elmo Says BOO!".