John Denver's estate is being fought over by his descendants. So none of this stuff is available for purchase. It's one reason why the Muppet Show season 4 never made it to DVD.
This is on my play list all year round but especially at Christmas time. It reminds me of a comfortable childlike love for family, friends and God. Please Have a Blessed Rocky Mtn Christmas with soft furries and John Denver memories! ❤️🙏💕🙏 🌲
We watched it in ‘79, when all my sons were little. Bought the album, then the cassette, now my almost 50 year old son shared this with me on RU-vid, this Christmas Eve morning. Still just as beautiful and poignant, as ever! ❤ 🎄2022
My brother and I watched this when it first aired Christmas '79, and I am going to watch this again, now with 2 toddlers of my own! John Denver will ALWAYS be a beautiful blessing to us. Thank you, John.
MY SON & I WILL CHERISH THE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES TOGETHER GOOD THING I DOWNLOADED THE VIDEO TO MY VIDEO FOLDER AND WE WILL HONOR CHRISTMAS LIKE A TRADITION TOGETHER ALTHOUGH MY SON MADE A CHRISTMAS FLORAL PLANTS IN A GLASS BOTTLE FOR A CHRISTMAS TRADITION, NOW WE NEED THE CHRISTMAS TREE UP.
This is the definition of Nostalgia. This should be a Christmas Special on TV every year. Unfortunately, it’s too late... but being someone that was a child in the 80’s - this brings back such great memories.
I have played this album while making Christmas cookies with my kids every year since it came out. First on vinyl, then cassette and now on CD. This is so special. It really should be televised every year and also issued on DVD. John Denver and the Muppets are all treasures. Thank you for this.
I agree with you 100% and that's good you listened to this album while making Christmas cookies with your kids every year since it came out and that's awesome you have it on Cd and you did have it on vinyl and Cassette to Stephani
It may sound corny, but there's something about Rowlf the Dog and John Denver singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" -- the combination of Rowlf (Jim Henson's) craggy voice and John's sweet tenor -- that just puts a lump in my throat every time. With any other Muppet or any other singer, it would probably just be cheesy. With these two, it's just ... magical.
Actually, it's due to the fact that it's technically a John Denver special that just happens to have the Muppets, and John descendants are still fighting over his estate. It's why future seasons of The Muppet Show never got released, and this never got an OFFICIAL release.
My Dad was born in 1973, and this was one of the first Muppets shows he's ever watched. And by then hes been watching almost every Muppets movies. He's currently 50, and he's been a big Muppets fan since he was like 8 years old! He's even owned Muppets Christmas ornaments since the early 1980s!
Ne to since watching on TV episodes of the AUGSBURGEER PUPPENKISTE and episodes of CASPER UND RENÈ ( every young Germans favorite grown up in the Sixties )
I grew up watching the original muppet show here in Sweden in the 80's and loved it. Also grew up with Johny Denver's beautiful voice! Rip Haven't seen this one though, loved it. Thanks for uploading! It funny to watch the orginal muppet show now, most of the episodes stands the test of time really well. Funny though, so many adult jokes, that I missed at a child. Never used to understand the meaning of Statler and Waldorf either. Now I love them! Thanks Jim Henson Rip! Hope you found your rainbow!🌈 connection!
Just recently unearthed our childhood record album of this special in my dad’s storage. My brothers and I played that thing so many times i was shocked it didn’t have any scratches. I gasped and cried when I found it. This record is a time capsule of the good moments we cling to from our childhood. I’m so happy to have found this. Thank you for sharing this treasure with all of us.
I was 10 ,when this came out. I remember this as a young kid. I miss the days ,when Christmas was simple. How ,I long for.those days again. I can dream ,I guess.Merry Christmas Everyone🎄🎅🤶🌲
This is one of the most wonderful things ever. Wholesome, nostalgic, warm. It hits me right in the heart. I’ve been a lifelong fan of the Muppets and John Denver touches my heart so deeply.
Hard to believe it will be twenty years this year that John Denver will be gone, I remember seeing him in concert back in 1972 not too long before he started his TV specials. Very glad to have been a fan over the years. Always remembered.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!!! I grew up with this album. I don't know why the other Muppet Christmas movie gets so much attention and this one gets ignored. This one has so much more heart (and much better music).
I remember when i first saw the John Denver Christmas Special with the Muppets on Television. it brings back lots of fond memories for me. John Denver had such an amazing voice, its so sad that he isnt living anymore, but i am sure he is still singing up in Heaven with other great Folk Legends. I wish we had more of these kind of specials on T.V. we need to hear good Christmas Music again. Thank Goodness for RU-vid where we can watch these specials anytime we want. 😀❤🌲
Geri Goss I think maybe due to the tragic way he died. I loved this special and we had the record album. It was a favorite of all us kids at home and holds a special place in our hearts.
As far as why it never got a Blu-Ray/DVD release, it's because it's not a Muppet special with John Denver, but a John Denver special that just so happens to have the Muppets on it. I think we've never got such a release is because of an issue with John Denver's estate.
I was born in 1980 and I grew up listening to this record at Christmas time. I tear up hearing some of the songs. John Denver's voice hits my heart like nothing else and takes me back in time. "I know there is a light. I have felt it burn inside, and I have seen it shining from afar."
Oh my gosh! I have been searching for this for two whole weeks! It's John Denver. Priceless how he reacts to them as if they were real and not Muppets. It's the Muppets....you gotta love the Muppets. It's one of the best Christmas programs ever!
I was singing along to all of the songs, especially Stille Nacht (Silent Night in German). My Pappy taught me to sing it and we would sing it every Christmas Eve.
Since my pup adores waking up to Country Roads, it made sense to have her hear something else by John Denver. Apparently, this just doesn't measure up. I, however, enjoy it and hope that everyone has a truly wonderful and merry Christmas.
Doug I haven’t seen this in years! Watched this when I was 5 years old. The album has been a family tradition and now I’m watching the special again with my kids! Thank you.
I first heard this program from a cassette tape when I was a young girl. This is the first time I watched this program and I'm already 50! Can't wait to watch again with my 8 yr old son who's been listening to the soundtrack every Christmas! He'll go crazy!!!
I remember Dec 1979, when this premiered,well-I was ten and in fifth grade. In fact,for Xmas that year I got the soundtrack on--ready for this--8 track! Remember those? Yes,I'm showing my age,certainly,having grown up with eight track tapes(I'm 48, and still have the eight track tape to this day.) Also,how nice it would have been if they had made a Xmas special with John D and the sesame street gang(yes,I know there's Xmas eve on SS,which premiered the year before this,in fact), but still,after seeing all of the muppets here-Kermit and Miss piggy,and Janice and Floyd,etc,all snuggled together while singing Silent night,can't you just picture,say,in the case of the SS humans,Susan and Gordon,David and Maria(as he was still her beau at the time,as seen in Xmas eve special), and Bob and Linda,all snuggling together while singing Silent Night? And,so as not to lead others to think that I think Bert and Ernie are gay(I don't think they are!), say,Betty lou or Prairie Dawn sitting between Bert and Ernie,while singing silent night and we wish you a Merry Xmas. That would be neat,now that I think about it,so as to teach preschoolers the religious part of Xmas,just as John does here,before they sing Silent night. Merry Christmas,to all of my fellow youtubers, especially those I recognize as regular old school SS and electric company viewers-MIKECNW,Jon Clip,afriendofbean,Tiny Dancer,Francis C and diestasfus.
RIP John Denver (1943-1997), Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, Waldorf, Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth and Link Hogthrob (1936-1990), Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper and Camilla (1934-2012) and Scooter, Janice and Statler (1951-1992)
Such a wonderful yet criminally underrated special! If only they could put this on DVD! It's interesting how this is probably the only Muppets Christmas special that make's any mention of the Nativity story.
@@Ih8kone I was hoping you meant it was still being released somewhere, those old copies could be a gamble lol. I just took a leap of faith on a website link to buy found on a muppets fan page with good reviews... I’ll update if it’s any good! Trying to get as an Xmas gift for my dad. And worst case scenario it’s purchased through PayPal so it shouldn’t be too hard to dispute.. fingers crossed 😂🤷🏻♀️
I’m 46 and this very show and its music has been a part of every Christmas since I can remember. I had the record album as a child and I now have the CD and it remains my most favorite Christmas music ever. I adore John Denver and this IS my childhood. Thank you for uploading. I used to search for this for years and now here it is. Thank you!
John Denver was my pa's favorite singer, and when I tell you I've listened to this album for 26 years, I'm.not joking, but I had no idea that there was a special to go along with it. Thank you so much for reconnecting me with my late Pa
Doug, Thank you SO much for sharing this. You have given this 41 year old a wonderful gift this year. I don’t remember all of this special. I was only two years old, but my Mom says I was mesmerized by it when it aired on our television. We listen to the album every year, multiple times. It’s wonderful to see it performed. I was laughing when I wasn’t tearing up (which was a lot). Thank you John Denver, and thank you Jim Henson. You are greatly missed. Doug, Merry Christmas to you and yours. Peace on Earth.
I have the cd of the songs. Wish they had it on DVD. I watched it when it was originally on. I love Rowlf the dog. I remember the original Muppet show that used to be on every week as well. John Denver was the best. He is truly missed.
@20.54: Kermit: "Those were the great times." John: "But you know, Kermit, these are great times, too." That was the best and most meaningful line in the entire special. There's always the good old days, but even though it may not seem like it, you're living in the good NOW days."
This is the very inner sanctum of Christmas in my house as a child. My heart no lie just overflows with emotion with wonderful memories. Thanks so much for posting.
@ jeremy hunt yes. so do i. when i first introduced this to my wife from china she absolutely loved it and fell in love with Miss Piggy , the Swedish Chef and Professor Bunsen with Beaker. i introduced this to my nephews and nieces as well since they never even heard of this.
Mine, too. It wasn't Christmas until we watched Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. Wendel Porcupine always made me laugh with his "Golly, You got mashed potatoes?" He was asking Doc Bullfrog (a guy that owned a restaurant) if they made mashed potatoes. LOL!!!
Super fond memories of this program when it aired. I was just a wee kid, but my mom was always a big fan of John Denver and we'd listened to his music growing up. This show coming on nailed Christmas for me.
David Butler Your mom wasn't alone...I grew up singing his songs with my dad and ended up with the biggest crush on him,and these specials just bring back the nostalgia...Its sad really, to see how little of that spirits left...Where has the feeling gone? Get togethers have lost their in the moment...I believe if you yearn for the past,there's something not right in the present. Keep the past alive by honoring those gone by having a remembrance dinner and a slide show or pictures and check all electronics at the door. we didn't have em then,there not needed now. Merry Christmas All...or whatever you celebrate.
I sure wish this would be televised again. It was only aired once in 1979 and was a favorite of my entire family. The CD is now on the 4th generation. PUH-LEEZE bring it back!!!!!
the last song in this set, Stille Nacht , is the most beloved Christmas Carol in the Western World but one truly cannot appreciate it until one listens to it in the ORIGINAL KLINGON! ;-}}
John Denver’s music is what sets this Christmas special apart from others. It’s In Everyone of Us is an amazing song and a balm for 2020. Thanks for posting.
I remember seeing this TV Special on the ABC television network back in 1979 and wish that it was available on DVD. For I cannot enjoy it as much watching it on my cell phone.
I grew up on this soundtrack. I remember baking Christmas goodies and dancing around the kitchen to this with my Mom when I was growing up. I love it so much my parents bought it for me on CD when I was in HS. Now today, as it's my Mom's heavenly birthday... it reminds me of her. Such fond memories.
Thank you for sharing your memories. I thought I was reading something I wrote… my mother had passed away a couple years ago and I cry when I listen to this now because I had those same memories with her as you had with yours. I thought the magic died when she left us but now that I have 2 babies of my own, I am going to carry on her legacy and try to keep that magic alive…starting with this ❤.
I'm so sorry for your mothers passing and what a nice way to honor her memory too. Kiddos aren't in my future, but that gave me an idea that maybe next year I'll start a tradition with my friends to do a baking day or weekend and it might be nice for them too, because these are friends that used to come over and bake with us when I was a kid. Even get my Dad into it. 🥰@@desireegrider161
@@MaryLodge-bp2zn There’s a few Muppet Christmas movies. There’s A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, A Very Merry Muppet’s Christmas, A Muppet’s Christmas: Letter to Santa and A Muppet Family Christmas. I’m not sure they ever transferred that particular one to DVD. I have seen it on here though! It’s recorded from like a VHS, but it was watchable.
It's here, plug this into TV or just figure it out. Any Denver Fan has the ability to solve problems. More specifically, use bluetooth speakers from your device (via phone or computer). I rock the Muppets 12" on record bc it's my thing. I also eat deer I kill.
Wow, I am so happy I came across this video. This was and remains my family's all time favorite Christmas album along with the SalSoul Orchestra's "Christmas Jollies". We still own the vinyl and I purchased the CD years ago and gave digital copies to my siblings. We haven't seen this actual Christmas special in over 30 years so I just shared this link with my siblings so they may share in the nostalgia. My mother and father introduced this album to us back then. Looking at the date that it was posted back in November of 2012 and that would be the last holiday season we would have with our Mother so this means so much. Thank you Doug for posting this. RIP Jim Henson and John Denver.
That both versions have their own laughs is just yet again the genius and talent of this group at work. That anyone could make this bland, painfully repetitious song entertaining is very impressive.
