...including the MacDaddy of 'em all (see final entry) and it may never be topped!

The Doobie Brothers on "What's Happening" (1978) - A pretty much long forgotten sit-com that took place in the Watts section of Los Angles, the Doobs appeared in a two-part episode where they go back to "their old high school" to play a show. It's actually kinda funny to watch the band goof their way through the premise, delivering their lines with plenty of 'stoned-tongue-in-cheek-we-don't-care-it's-easy-money' attitude. You might remember one of the shows main characters, a big, floundering dude named Rerun, who had his 15 minutes back then...

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe on "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" (1993) - Like the best Nickelodeon shows, this series was pretty cool with alotta style, a vague sense of creepiness and good music, featuring many guest appearances by actors and musicians who the kids watching the show would never recognize. Nifty! LL Cool J, Deborah Harry and the always fearless Iggy Pop had their turns, but it was the lead singer for R.E.M. that we liked best, playing a vaguely gonzo ice cream vendor by the name of Captain Scrummy who sold "sludgecicles". Okay, we're in.

David Bowie on Bing Crosby's "Merrie Olde Christmas" (1977) - These days culture clashes are de rigueur, but 43 years ago this one had everybody asking "Did that just happen?" -- Glam Rock Pioneer sings with a Stodgy Old Crooner who used to peddle orange juice? -- While the best part is probably The Thin White Duke asking Bing if he's the butler of the house, the "Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth" duet would go on to become a bona-fide Christmas classic! Legend has it Bowie only did the show because his mother loved The Binger.

We finish with a well-deserved 'tip of the hat' for Roy Orbison on "The Dukes Of Hazzard" and Devo on the quite-sadly-underrated "Square Pegs"...

 

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