Readers of the Open Range

Music by	Joe Raposo
Lyrics by	Sara J. Compton
Publisher	Instructional Children's Music, Inc.

The "Readers of the Open Range" refers both to a trio of cowpokes who specialize in reading signs and the song in which they introduce themselves. The group consists of Vern (Jerry Nelson), Sophie (Kevin Clash), and a nameless cowboy (Richard Hunt).

The Readers returned to Sesame Street years later for a second sketch; only Nelson reprised his role, with Martin P. Robinson replacing Richard Hunt. After singing their theme song, the group wanders into a town whose inhabitants are entirely illiterate, and thus have no idea where they live. Vern sagely asks whether there's a "big ole' sign" in town, and thus is able to determine that the Readers of the Open Range are in Bisbee, Arizona.

Their second skit

Releases

Audio (song)

• Elmo's Lowdown Hoedown (1998, performed by Noel Cowherd and Elmo)
• Just Me! Music

Online

• Sesamestreet.org
  • Song Template:SSvideo --ending edited
  • Sketch Template:SSvideo