I remember all of the songs Rita Moreno sang on the show.... The first I ever knew about her was, seeing her in West Side Story. Loved her ever since!!! 💗🕊️💗
I absolutely loved this show and never missed it. Those were the good ole days of television. Rita Moreno and all the others were perfect!!!! This is one of my favorite songs from the show.
There is an interview that Rita Moreno did for the Actors Guild a few years ago..she said doing The Electric Company was the most rewarding shows she had ever done and nothing but praise for Bill Cosby and Morgan Freeman. She said that her only regret was that she wished she stayed with the show.
How could you not get up off the couch or the bed when you were a kid watching this and sing and dance along to this??? So much energy, it can hardly be contained! I like "Phantom Of Love" a little more, but this one's right up there with the greatest E.C. songs, I'll tell you. =)
😅 Well this was 7yrs ago…..I don’t know how old Renee was when they made this comment about Rita still having energy when she was 40…but…perhaps you don’t think 40 is old anymore. Today’s 20 yr olds move like they’re in their 60’s…seriously. Anyway…..I think 40 is still pretty young. My dad is 80…and I’m just seeing him now (that I’m an adult in my 50’s) as old. Such is life. ❤ Don’t take time for granted!! 😊
I sang this all the time for my friends and relatives throughout my childhood! Never thought Morgan Freeman would end up so famous later. Now my 13-year-old son, Sanjay Jr., and I sing it together! ~ Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sr.
Wow! I have not seen this in over 40 years! Phyllis & The Pharoahs were one of my favorite skits of the whole Electric Company series! This song is better than any song you will hear in the radio nowadays and I mean it!
Man keep this up. Looks like the beginning of the makings of GREASE. It's pre Sha NA Na and the wording looks like the title. Love my PBS from way in the back days.......sigh.
I've only seen this once when I was 3 or 4 yrs. old and it's been stuck in the back of my brain ever since. At first I thought I would never see it again but now thanks to you I can watch this over and over again.
The idea for this skit, Grease the play, Grease the film and Happy Days were inspired by Sha Na Na. The 50s revivalist act Sha Na Na was a big hit in the early 70s that started playing in 1969.
@BigLudie1964 And we also found more to watch and entertained ourselves on just a handful of cable channels,as opposed to the 200+ of cable TV's modern digital era.
OMG! This song was my favorite growing up. Love how Rita cuts loose and does the twist towards the end as she sings "Grease, greasy, greasy..!" Does anyone remember "Don't Blame The Blonde?" What a hoot!!!!
Wow! They took a movie based off of a rather adults-only play and remade it as a fun-for-all piece to smile to, and is nicely sung on top of all that. Good video effects for the typeface too.
1:07 is great, where Skip and Jim sing together into the mike,"Grease makes you sticky,grease makes you tough!" Yes,I did see this frequently on 1970s EC, and yes, I,too, had always noticed its similarity to "Phantom of Love." You will find this one, on Vol 2, of Best of EC, Volume 2--it was featured in the episode, which first aired on March 6,1973(Season 2, of course-you will also find Phantom of Love, on that DVD box set, from earlier in Season 2, on 11/17/1972.) Although I cannot for the life of me recall seeing the third "Phyllis and the Pharoahs"concert skit,"Is it love?" on the show, I have seen it both here on UA-cam, AND, on Best of EC, Vol 1--it was featured in a Season 5 episode, on January 27, 1976. ALL THREE "Phyllis and the Pharaohs"songs are just EXCELLENT!
I haven't seen this skit in ages. I'd forgotten how they were dressed in typically Seventies disco costumes, but sang and danced in Fifties doo-wop style. And God bless Rita Moreno...ever the ball of fire and the real energy source of the Electric Company. (Morgan Freeman supplied the cool, and they all brought the funny.)
Again, THANK YOU(!) for uploading this clip - my all-time second favorite on UA-cam. With this and the lick-a-lolly song, I can now live happily ever after!
I just discovered this clip yesterday!! I actually vaguely remember it when it first it aired!! This was another song by Phyllis and The Pharaohs eventhough its not listed as that I cant believe they were doing DooWop skits on the Electric Company in the height of 70s disco!! haha but Im an oldies fantatic so I love it!!
There were three "Phyllis and the Pharaohs"songs on Electric Company, "Phantom of Love"(possibly the first),this, and "Is It Love?" I,also, am into oldies music, in particular doowop music, from the 1950s--Morgan's bass voice reminds me of the bass singer in the 1958 oldie,"You Cheated,You Lied,"by the Shields. I really do not care for any of this wild music, from the 1980s(my teenage years), which still is popular today; 1950s songs should make a comeback, in my opinion.
MrJamieMurph4141969 - Im VERY much into oldies & doowop music, its my life!! LOL. Did you know all 3 videos of Phyllis and The Pharaohs songs are posted? Im young (37) myself for old music but its the best kind!! how old ru?
+Paul Errante Hi, sorry I'm finally getting around to replying, but, anyway, I'm 46,born in 1969,so naturally, I am among those who grew up with 1970s Electric Company and of course, "Old School Sesame Street." As I had said a year ago, I really am into oldies music, especially doowop songs, from the 50s-it was the movie "La Bamba,"about Ritchie Valens, that got me into oldies. And yes, I have seen all three videos of Phyllis and the Pharoahs, both here on UA-cam, and on my box sets.
"BUMBUMBUDDY, A BUM BUM BUDDY!!!" That's one part of the song I can't get out of my head-very reminiscent of your typical 1950s doowop song. Morgan's deep low (background)bass voice has always reminded me of the backup bass voices in ShaNaNa, and in the Shields' 1958 hit,"You cheated, you lied." Yes, the quartet of the Pharoahs-Jim, Skip, Morgan, and Luis,as well as Phyllis(Rita),really get into it with pure spirit!
Ha, this is such good stuff. Of course, I was born in '75, so I have an excuse, but the only thing I ever remembered of The Electric Company was the opening and Spider-Man! Now I want the DVDs!
@Leecogic Well,Electric Company ceased production in 1977,but PBS still aired reruns up until 1985.That's about all I caught of it while I was still old enough but still young to appreciate it.
LOL - I used to think they were singing "We're gonna grease his tongue." At the time I never questioned what greasing a tongue was. Maybe I should have.
This skit was NOT influenced by the movie Grease. The musical Grease...yes, but not the movie. The movie Grease didn't come out until about six years after this skit was created.
may i ask on if you might have any sketchs of Judy Graubart Cinderella from the Electric Company for should you do then could you please Post them here on youtube,
As a kid, I've always thought that Jim Boyd was the young Jack Nicholson, and didn't think much of it. Growing up, I saw a couple of Jack Nicholson movies and asked... "What the hell happened to that nice man I used to watch at The Electric Company?"
@johndalar4888 Actually, they aren't confused at all. This skit DID come out before the movie, but the movie wasn't the first 'Grease'. The ORIGINAL 'Grease' was a stage musical and the movie was based on that. The musical came out in 1971, a year BEFORE this skit, so in reality this '50s skit IS based on Grease. :)
This almost sounds like a parody of Sha Na Na, with Rita Moreno doing Pamela Myers-styled voice. What year did this song first air? I'm guessing 1974 or 5.
I'm guessing the 1973-74 season, because that's when I remember seeing it. Your guess is as good as mine, though(lol). I definitely remember Pamela Myers, though. What a talent she was/is! Not only was was she very funny, but she also got to sing in various sketches. She was also the show's announcer; still get a thrill when she exclaimed, "Now, here they are, all greased up and ready to sing their brains out! SHA NA NA!!"😁
Awesome Powerful Harmonies in a note perfect Parody from the talented quintet of Skip Hinnant, Jim Boyd, Rita Moreno (goofing on early Diana Ross no less), Morgan Freeman, and Luis Avalos!🎤🎸🎹🥁🎼😇❤🌹☕☕🇺🇸🥞🧀🥩🍝🍜🍷🍫🚘🌊🐘🏈🏆😂B.W.
+Maxwell1901 Yes, there was, and you're not alone in looking for it, I have been after it myself, from time to time. Morgan was the lead singer in that--all that I remember best about it, was Morgan's backup singers singing "Smarty"over and over(and the word "smarty"on the wall behind them would flash, as they said it),and as they sang,"SmartyPants,doowop!"Morgan goes,"You know that's not my name now." I believe that was from the last season, 1976-1977. Anyway, hopefully someone will find and post that one, as well; those parodies of '50s doowops, on both Sesame Street and the Electric Company just STOLE THE SHOW!
There was a song years ago from the electric company show a doo wop style and I think they sang a song to " Randy" ?? Guy singer had a hat and a girl was sitting in a chair watching him sing to her was a street scene? Sound familiar at valley? I'd love to see it again. Kind of a ballad type 🤔
I would have automatically assumed if I was watching this at the age I did that the movie Grease was what inspired this because I didn't even know new shows weren't being produced after 1977(the year before the movie Grease premiered)until a few months ago.
@@jim6820 I had biased liking towards the late great Luis Ávalos because he looks so much like my dad(♡RIP♡) except Luis has a mustache, very thinning hair on top and he was shorter. He looked like he had aged nicely in the Best of TEC DVD. Very friendly and down-to-earth man. Complications from a heart attack took his life too soon at age 67.😓💔
Neither. The musical debuted a year earlier in '71. I know this because my high school did the musical and I played Eugene; the scripts said copyright 1971.
I remember all of the songs Rita Moreno sang on the show.... The first I ever knew about her was, seeing her in West Side Story. Loved her ever since!!! 💗🕊️💗
Rita won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for West Side Story
I remember this song & episode of the Electric Co. My baby girl is now 52 !!!
This is what an EGOT winner does. Helps teach millions of kids how to read better and gives it everything she has. QUEEN!
Man this was what growing up in the 70's meant. The EC was a great show.
I absolutely loved this show and never missed it. Those were the good ole days of television. Rita Moreno and all the others were perfect!!!! This is one of my favorite songs from the show.
Mine too, as a kid i even danced to it!
Better than frankie vallas grease too
There is an interview that Rita Moreno did for the Actors Guild a few years ago..she said doing The Electric Company was the most rewarding shows she had ever done and nothing but praise for Bill Cosby and Morgan Freeman. She said that her only regret was that she wished she stayed with the show.
Rita Moreno was off the hook on this show!
They all looked like they had a lot of fun filming this. Rita Moreno looked pretty hot too!
Rita always looked hot....check out her strip-tease in "Marlowe"
Rita Moreno...what a lady.❤❤❤❤
How could you not get up off the couch or the bed when you were a kid watching this and sing and dance along to this??? So much energy, it can hardly be contained! I like "Phantom Of Love" a little more, but this one's right up there with the greatest E.C. songs, I'll tell you. =)
"Grease" was premiering on Broadway when this song was on EC. Just to give you that cultural connection.
Rita was in her 40's and so energetic!
rockin those hip-huggers
hey i am in my 40's and energetic too
😅 Well this was 7yrs ago…..I don’t know how old Renee was when they made this comment about Rita still having energy when she was 40…but…perhaps you don’t think 40 is old anymore. Today’s 20 yr olds move like they’re in their 60’s…seriously. Anyway…..I think 40 is still pretty young. My dad is 80…and I’m just seeing him now (that I’m an adult in my 50’s) as old.
Such is life. ❤ Don’t take time for granted!! 😊
From 1973, right when the 50s revival was starting to really pick up steam; love that wiggling “grease” at the bottom of the screen
These were some of the finest performers of their generation, just having a great time. XD
WOW! I almost let this one get away from the memory bank! This is classic!
Love Freeman's baritone voice!
This was great.
I sang this all the time for my friends and relatives throughout my childhood!
Never thought Morgan Freeman would end up so famous later. Now my 13-year-old son, Sanjay Jr., and I sing it together!
~ Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sr.
I remember this particular part. It's amazing how seeing something from a long time ago can open so many great memories
Wow! I have not seen this in over 40 years! Phyllis & The Pharoahs were one of my favorite skits of the whole Electric Company series! This song is better than any song you will hear in the radio nowadays and I mean it!
Definitely one of my all time faves!😂🤣😂🤣👏👏👏
this song was stuck in my head for years
Man keep this up. Looks like the beginning of the makings of GREASE. It's pre Sha NA Na and the wording looks like the title. Love my PBS from way in the back days.......sigh.
I've only seen this once when I was 3 or 4 yrs. old and it's been stuck in the back of my brain ever since. At first I thought I would never see it again but now thanks to you I can watch this over and over again.
This has never really left my head from when I first saw it as a kid…
The idea for this skit, Grease the play, Grease the film and Happy Days were inspired by Sha Na Na. The 50s revivalist act Sha Na Na was a big hit in the early 70s that started playing in 1969.
Thanks! I have not seen this in WOW, 38 years, Where did my life go???????
@BigLudie1964 And we also found more to watch and entertained ourselves on just a handful of cable channels,as opposed to the 200+ of cable TV's modern digital era.
This is so freaking cute!!!
This is probably the sequence that made me fall in love with Rita Moreno at age four. Thanks for sharing!
Wow. Never thought I would hear this again!
OMG! This song was my favorite growing up. Love how Rita cuts loose and does the twist towards the end as she sings "Grease, greasy, greasy..!" Does anyone remember "Don't Blame The Blonde?" What a hoot!!!!
I remember watching this! I was around 7.
Thanks for posting!!!
Wow! They took a movie based off of a rather adults-only play and remade it as a fun-for-all piece to smile to, and is nicely sung on top of all that. Good video effects for the typeface too.
I will never forget Rita Moreno saying "HEY YOU GUYS!". Lol funny
Nobody does it like rita!
@Alan Bishop, he's name is Luis Avilos. He's a character actor, who played the principal on first season "Hangin With Mr. Cooper".
Phyllis and The Pharaohs brings back my childhood memories
I was born in late 72 and I don't remember this.
I'm 36. But I used to watch TEC all the time when
I was a little kid.
1:07 is great, where Skip and Jim sing together into the mike,"Grease makes you sticky,grease makes you tough!" Yes,I did see this frequently on 1970s EC, and yes, I,too, had always noticed its similarity to "Phantom of Love." You will find this one, on Vol 2, of Best of EC, Volume 2--it was featured in the episode, which first aired on March 6,1973(Season 2, of course-you will also find Phantom of Love, on that DVD box set, from earlier in Season 2, on 11/17/1972.) Although I cannot for the life of me recall seeing the third "Phyllis and the Pharoahs"concert skit,"Is it love?" on the show, I have seen it both here on UA-cam, AND, on Best of EC, Vol 1--it was featured in a Season 5 episode, on January 27, 1976. ALL THREE "Phyllis and the Pharaohs"songs are just EXCELLENT!
I haven't seen this skit in ages. I'd forgotten how they were dressed in typically Seventies disco costumes, but sang and danced in Fifties doo-wop style. And God bless Rita Moreno...ever the ball of fire and the real energy source of the Electric Company. (Morgan Freeman supplied the cool, and they all brought the funny.)
Again, THANK YOU(!) for uploading this clip - my all-time second favorite on UA-cam. With this and the lick-a-lolly song, I can now live happily ever after!
WOnderful! Good to see this again!
grease is the word
Gotta love this group, i really think rita moreno was enjoying herself!
loved this show
I just discovered this clip yesterday!! I actually vaguely remember it when it first it aired!! This was another song by Phyllis and The Pharaohs eventhough its not listed as that I cant believe they were doing DooWop skits on the Electric Company in the height of 70s disco!! haha but Im an oldies fantatic so I love it!!
There were three "Phyllis and the Pharaohs"songs on Electric Company, "Phantom of Love"(possibly the first),this, and "Is It Love?" I,also, am into oldies music, in particular doowop music, from the 1950s--Morgan's bass voice reminds me of the bass singer in the 1958 oldie,"You Cheated,You Lied,"by the Shields. I really do not care for any of this wild music, from the 1980s(my teenage years), which still is popular today; 1950s songs should make a comeback, in my opinion.
MrJamieMurph4141969 - Im VERY much into oldies & doowop music, its my life!! LOL. Did you know all 3 videos of Phyllis and The Pharaohs songs are posted? Im young (37) myself for old music but its the best kind!! how old ru?
+Paul Errante Hi, sorry I'm finally getting around to replying, but, anyway, I'm 46,born in 1969,so naturally, I am among those who grew up with 1970s Electric Company and of course, "Old School Sesame Street." As I had said a year ago, I really am into oldies music, especially doowop songs, from the 50s-it was the movie "La Bamba,"about Ritchie Valens, that got me into oldies. And yes, I have seen all three videos of Phyllis and the Pharoahs, both here on UA-cam, and on my box sets.
+Paul Errante I enjoyed these numbers when they originally aired on PBS. I also remember groups like Sha Na Na being popular at the time.
This is also an answer to the musical "Grease."
This is from the Best of the electric company DVDs!!
"BUMBUMBUDDY, A BUM BUM BUDDY!!!" That's one part of the song I can't get out of my head-very reminiscent of your typical 1950s doowop song. Morgan's deep low (background)bass voice has always reminded me of the backup bass voices in ShaNaNa, and in the Shields' 1958 hit,"You cheated, you lied." Yes, the quartet of the Pharoahs-Jim, Skip, Morgan, and Luis,as well as Phyllis(Rita),really get into it with pure spirit!
I’m glad this video is here, because if I had told people Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno had ever been in such a thing, I’d think I was nuts.
Morgan Freeman was awesome as the bass singer when Rita done this song, totally cool video. :)
What a catchy song
Grease is the...err, a word! Very catchy song!
Ha, this is such good stuff. Of course, I was born in '75, so I have an excuse, but the only thing I ever remembered of The Electric Company was the opening and Spider-Man! Now I want the DVDs!
Childhood memories coming back to me. ha ha ha I love the Electric Company!
@Leecogic Well,Electric Company ceased production in 1977,but PBS still aired reruns up until 1985.That's about all I caught of it while I was still old enough but still young to appreciate it.
Seasons one through four were awsome!
@jfpinell I can see why you are confused but this skit took place way way way before the movie like about ten years before.....
Man o man, charity educational television and are they ever doing their best =) They rock
Wow I stand corrected. She was born in 31 so yes Rita was 40 in 71. She’s incredible
Maaaaaaaan, I remember THIS!!!!! :-)
LOL - I used to think they were singing "We're gonna grease his tongue." At the time I never questioned what greasing a tongue was. Maybe I should have.
This skit was NOT influenced by the movie Grease. The musical Grease...yes, but not the movie. The movie Grease didn't come out until about six years after this skit was created.
Another outrageous skit courtesy of Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman, and company! Was it me, or was everybody turned on by how hot Rita looked back then?
The only thing I will never from from Rita Moreno was her famous "HEY YOU GUYS!", it still makes me laugh 40 years later.
Now I know TWO songs named 'Grease'!
I just love this song!! and after this is the one with Morgan and the chicken!!
Yes, that's right.
I remember this all too well
may i ask on if you might have any sketchs of Judy Graubart Cinderella from the Electric Company for should you do then could you please Post them here on youtube,
Rita has quite a bit of energy, doesn't she? ; )
Don't know who the goofy one on the far left is but he was always my favorite one love this song I'm glad I came across it!
That's Skip Hinnant,whose characters included JJ and Fargo North,Decoder.
Let's be honest. Us boys watched the Electric Company for one reason 😎😍
Actually two reasons....Rita Moreno & Hattie Winston😁
Three. Miss Judy Graubart, a quirky Beauty from Chicago and "Second City" Alumna, Played a "Julia Child" Parody called "Julia Grownup."😂🎤💃👩🍳📺B.W.
Rita Moreno & Morgan Freeman ❤
I wonder if I was the only one that was mesmerized by the way the word "grease" wiggled....lol
I too was always impressed by that, and the way the word "phantom" moved up and down in Phantom of Love, when I was a kid.
Sorry, guys, but it's "grease the monkey man", in reference to an auto mechanic who is often nicknamed a "grease monkey".
After that a movie starring with
Stockard Channing
John Travolta
That's two Oscar winners side by side doing a Grease parody.
Morgan has a great baritone voice!
Now check out Rita's "Un song" with her great Tina Turner impersonation !!
Rita Moreno played some amazing characters!
As a kid, I've always thought that Jim Boyd was the young Jack Nicholson, and didn't think much of it. Growing up, I saw a couple of Jack Nicholson movies and asked... "What the hell happened to that nice man I used to watch at The Electric Company?"
@johndalar4888
Actually, they aren't confused at all. This skit DID come out before the movie, but the movie wasn't the first 'Grease'. The ORIGINAL 'Grease' was a stage musical and the movie was based on that. The musical came out in 1971, a year BEFORE this skit, so in reality this '50s skit IS based on Grease. :)
@MrBoofoo - Our teacher used this song to teach us that "ea" make the "e" sound. I still remember this song and never forgot the lesson I learned. :)
This almost sounds like a parody of Sha Na Na, with Rita Moreno doing Pamela Myers-styled voice. What year did this song first air? I'm guessing 1974 or 5.
I'm guessing the 1973-74 season, because that's when I remember seeing it. Your guess is as good as mine, though(lol).
I definitely remember Pamela Myers, though. What a talent she was/is! Not only was was she very funny, but she also got to sing in various sketches. She was also the show's announcer; still get a thrill when she exclaimed, "Now, here they are, all greased up and ready to sing their brains out! SHA NA NA!!"😁
Awesome Powerful Harmonies in a note perfect Parody from the talented quintet of Skip Hinnant, Jim Boyd, Rita Moreno (goofing on early Diana Ross no less), Morgan Freeman, and Luis Avalos!🎤🎸🎹🥁🎼😇❤🌹☕☕🇺🇸🥞🧀🥩🍝🍜🍷🍫🚘🌊🐘🏈🏆😂B.W.
Wasn't there another one called "I Was A Smarty Pants"? Haven't seen that one in decades?
+Maxwell1901 Yes, there was, and you're not alone in looking for it, I have been after it myself, from time to time. Morgan was the lead singer in that--all that I remember best about it, was Morgan's backup singers singing "Smarty"over and over(and the word "smarty"on the wall behind them would flash, as they said it),and as they sang,"SmartyPants,doowop!"Morgan goes,"You know that's not my name now." I believe that was from the last season, 1976-1977. Anyway, hopefully someone will find and post that one, as well; those parodies of '50s doowops, on both Sesame Street and the Electric Company just STOLE THE SHOW!
Love this
There was a song years ago from the electric company show a doo wop style and I think they sang a song to " Randy" ?? Guy singer had a hat and a girl was sitting in a chair watching him sing to her was a street scene? Sound familiar at valley? I'd love to see it again. Kind of a ballad type 🤔
Rita = Goddess
I would have automatically assumed if I was watching this at the age I did that the movie Grease was what inspired this because I didn't even know new shows weren't being produced after 1977(the year before the movie Grease premiered)until a few months ago.
Has anyone seen Skip Hinnant singing "Back to Boogaloo"?
Rita Moreno at her sexiest.
RITA is perfect!! What a talent! She perty too!Nell from RHPS ain't got nuthin on RITA.
This song is better than ALL of "Grease" the musical.
@kuryakin4life I agree, I loved all of those shows. Also Romper Room and Schoolhouse Rock.
Rita was in great shape too. I believe that she was in her 40's when she appered on this show.
Loved how that late Cuban character actor Louis Avalos far right acted in this segment.
I knew about jim Boyd's death but i didn't know avalos was gone!
Clarence Coats Louis Avalos passed away 1/22/2014 at age 67. Such a great and underrated Cuban character actor.
@@jim6820 he sure was!
Clarence Coats played a whole assorted characters in the series.
@@jim6820 I had biased liking towards the late great Luis Ávalos because he looks so much like my dad(♡RIP♡) except Luis has a mustache, very thinning hair on top and he was shorter. He looked like he had aged nicely in the Best of TEC DVD. Very friendly and down-to-earth man. Complications from a heart attack took his life too soon at age 67.😓💔
Who is on Stage left to "Morgan Freeman" ?
What year was this done on The Electric Company? The Electric Company ran from 1971-1977. The movie Grease came out in June of 1978! Both classics!
1974.
This musical number was made in 1972,the same year the stage version of GREASE debuted. Influence or coincidence?
Neither. The musical debuted a year earlier in '71. I know this because my high school did the musical and I played Eugene; the scripts said copyright 1971.
OMG!!! Who wrote THIS SKIT! ROFL I couldnt stop laughing, Rita Moreno was Buggin out!! lol