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“Mahna Mahna” is one of @themuppets’ most memorable and iconic sketches—a simple comedic song-and-dance routine featuring the titular Muppet (performed by Jim Henson) and the two Snowths (performed by Frank Oz).

While the sketch did appear in the very first episode of THE MUPPET SHOW in 1976, it wasn’t the first time the Muppets performed it. In fact, the song wasn’t even created for the Muppets!

“Mah Nà Mah Nà” was originally written by composer Piero Umiliani for the 1968 Italian documentary SWEDEN: HEAVEN AND HELL and got some radio play in the U.S. and the U.K. In 1969, SESAME STREET producer Joan Ganz Cooney heard the song and referred it to Jim Henson. Jim turned the song into a sketch for the show, only with generic Muppet characters.

Jim must have like the sketch because, just three days after the SESAME STREET sketch aired, Jim and Frank Oz were performing it on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW—this time with Mahna Mahna and the Snowths.

“Mahna Mahna” soon became part of the Muppets’ regular repertoire. It was performed on few variety shows and specials over the next ten years, including THE DICK CAVETT SHOW.

Even after its appearance on THE MUPPET SHOW, “Mahna Mahna” has returned again and again as a go-to number for the Muppets on television, in film, and anywhere else. It’s now part of the Muppets’ DNA—just the right balance of absurdity and sincere emotion.