Willie Nelson and Kermit The Frog Duet “Rainbow Connection” For The First Time

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During the 2024 Luck Reunion festival, hosted at Willie Nelson’s iconic Texas ranch, the audience witnessed a historic musical moment as country legend Willie Nelson and the beloved Muppet character Kermit The Frog delivered a joint performance.

Willie Nelson and Kermit The Frog Duet

As part of Nelson’s headlining set, attendees were treated to the first-ever rendition of Kermit’s timeless classic, “Rainbow Connection,” performed by the duo. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and excitement as the iconic pair shared the stage.

In addition to their rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” Nelson and Kermit treated the audience to a performance of other cherished songs, including classics like “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Hard to Be Humble,” as reported by PEOPLE.

The Success Of “Rainbow Connection”

“Rainbow Connection,” a song featured in The Muppet Movie of 1979, holds a significant place in popular culture. Written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, it was originally performed by Jim Henson in his role as Kermit the Frog. The song achieved notable commercial success, reaching the 25th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining in the Top 40 for seven weeks. Its impact was further proven by an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 52nd Academy Awards ceremony.

Willie Nelson’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” featured on his 2001 album of the same name, added another layer of acclaim to the song’s legacy. This cover earned Nelson a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Album, highlighting its significance within the genre. Although Nelson had previously performed the song on multiple occasions since its release, this particular rendition marked a special milestone. It was the first time he shared the stage with Kermit the Frog, creating a truly memorable and unique moment for the songs history.

Watch Willie Nelson and Kermit The Frog perform “Rainbow Connection” together below.

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About the Author

Megan Grisham

Hello, I'm Megan Grisham, a proud Nashville native with a deep-rooted connection to the heart and soul of Music City. By growing up in Tennessee, country music has consistently been a part of my life.

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