28. Brought To You Today By the Letter "J"

I mentioned in my post about Pink's, I would next write about another landmark on LaBrea Avenue in Hollywood.  And so it is.

At first glance the LaBrea facing building for this company looks almost as if it is a big, expensive tudoresque-style mansion.  That is until you notice the Kermit the Frog statue (whose first appearance on Sesame Street occurred on my 10th birthday, 11/10/1969).  The statue has Kermit the Frog posed with a cane and derby hat, a respectful nod to the original contractor and owner of this property, Charlie Chaplin.

Before the Jim Henson Company took over in 1999 (after extensive renovation opened its doors here in May, 2000) and after Chaplin sold the studio in 1957, there have been other owners including A&M Records.  In 1985, "We are the World" was recorded at A&M Studios, a USA for Africa effort for raising money to aid the hungry in Africa.

Founder Jim Henson passed in 1990.  Today the company is owned and operated by his five adult children.

The Jim Henson Company has been an established leader in family entertainment for over fifty years (for instance, Kermit first came on the scene in 1955).  On November 4, 2009 Sesame Street and the Muppets celebrated their 40th birthday.

I feel it is natural to wonder if this studio offers tours in the tradition of Universal and Sony.  The answer, "no".  Instead, this studio is open for sound stage rental and/or parties and events, including wedding ceremonies and receptions.

While the letter "j" applies to the name Jim, it also applies to another word, "joy".  One thing is certain, this company has brought many priceless moments of joy to people worldwide and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon.