As Elmo readies himself to lunge at Kermit, the flexible frog dodges out of the way and allows Elmo to trip himself and fall onto the floor. Quickly the hairy red Muppet regains his composure and ...

Born in the small town of Leland, Mississippi, Jim Henson went on to be one of the state's great influencers as creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street.

Celebrated, Mississippi-born puppeteer Jim Henson died in 1990, but his name is still alive through the Muppets.

Time now for your letters. (Soundbite of Kermit the Frog singing) KERMIT THE FROG (Jim Henson's Muppet): (Singing) It's not that easy being green. HANSEN: We didn't hear from Kermit the Frog himself, ...