Bruce Hart, 68; He Wrote ‘Sesame Street’ Lyrics, Other Songs

Bruce Hart, 68, who wrote the lyrics for “Sesame Street” and “Free to Be ... You and Me,” died of lung cancer Tuesday at his home in New York City, said his wife, Carole.

Hart and his wife were among the first writers on “Sesame Street” when it began in 1969. Hart, who had worked for “Candid Camera” and written lyrics to the Cass Elliott hit “One Way Ticket,” was hired to write sketches and help with the theme song.

Hart and his wife left “Sesame Street” after the first season and went on to a variety of other projects for children and young people, including “Free to Be ... You and Me,” the groundbreaking album and television special created by Marlo Thomas that featured Mel Brooks, Harry Belafonte, Michael Jackson and others.

Born Jan. 15, 1938, in New York City, Hart earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1959 and a law degree from Yale University in 1962.

The Harts also produced a short-lived but well-regarded 1979 television show, “Hot Hero Sandwich,” and a series of educational films about psychology.