The Top 5 Musical Guest Stars on a Sitcom or Comedy Show

When a musical act starts releasing chart-topping hits, they sometimes make guest appearances in movies and on television sitcoms. More often than not, the musicians play themselves, but there are cases where the sitcom writers create a character for them. With that in mind, here are five memorable musical cameo appearances:

Don Ho on the "I Dream of Jeannie" episode "Jeannie Goes to Hawaii" (Original Air Date: December 26, 1967): When sitcoms do vacation episodes, Hawaii is the place to go, even for pretty genie named Jeannie (Barbara Eden). When Major Nelson (Larry Hagman) heads to Hawaii, Jeannie finds an excuse to follow her master, running into popular singer Don Ho in the process.

This episode of "I Dream of Jeannie" is like a time capsule from the 1960's. Don Ho reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Charts with his rendition of "Tiny Bubbles," making him a popular performer in the late 60's. His interaction with Barbara Eden is a little awkward, but still fun to watch.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers on "The Simpsons" episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled" (Original Air Date: May 13, 1993): One year after Johnny Carson left "The Tonight Show," Krusty the Clown also left his show, but his departure was due to low ratings. Bart Simpson, Krusty's biggest fan, helps him stage a comeback special, with Johnny Carson, Bette Midler and the Red Hot Chili Peppers joining Krusty.

When this episode of "The Simpsons" aired, this animated series had already become a fixture on the Fox Network. The funniest bits in this episode occurred when Krusty asked the Red Hot Chili Peppers to tone down some racy lyrics.

Suzi Quatro on "Happy Days" (recurring character for 7 episodes): More popular overseas than in the United States, Suzi Quatro made a career breakthrough by playing tough girl rocker Leather Tuscadero on several episodes of "Happy Days." Clad mostly in leather, Tuscadero's signature greeting involved slapping her thigh a few times.

Quatro finally managed to reach American listeners with "Stumblin' In," her popular duet with Chris Norman. Most sitcom fans remember her as Leather Tuscadero instead of a famous rock singer. At age 60, though, Quatro is still rocking, even if she isn't wearing leather.

Aerosmith on "Saturday Night Live" (Original Air Date: February 17, 1990): "SNL" cast members Michael Myers and Dana Carvey appeared with Tom Hanks and Aerosmith during a classic "Wayne's World" sketch. While Wayne and Garth were doing their show in the basement, Wayne's mother took the band on a tour of the house, which Wayne referred to as "The Walk of Shame." Hanks played an Aerosmith roadie who brought the band on the show in return for some time on "Wayne's World."

Although not technically a sitcom, Aerosmith's appearance on "Saturday Night Live" became an instant comedy classic. It's especially funny when the band attempts to have a deep, intellectual discussion with Wayne. Tom Hanks also is hysterical playing a roadie who, among his other duties, has to tie Aerosmith's scarves to their microphones.

Davy Jones on "The Brady Bunch" episode "Getting Davy Jones" (Original Air Date: December 10, 1971): The Brady family always had the coolest people drop by, from astronauts to Desi Arnaz, Jr. The grooviest guest star of all, though, was Davy Jones, a former member of the Monkees.

In her capacity as President of the Davy Jones Fan Club, Marcia (Maureen McCormick) promises her teacher and classmates that the former Monkee will perform at the school dance. After unsuccessfully chasing Davy Jones all over town, the singer shows up at the Brady front door just in time to save the day and escort Marcia to the dance.

A fondly remembered "Brady Bunch" episode, "Getting Davy Jones" was recreated in 1995's "Brady Bunch Movie" and as part of a traveling "Brady Bunch" stage show. In some cities on the tour, Davy Jones even appeared as himself live on stage.

Resources:

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/waynes-world-aerosmith/275020/

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/89/89mwaynesworld.phtml

http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/282240

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0531090/