Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog Perform 'Rainbow Connection' Together for the First Time Ever in Texas

Mar. 15, 2025

Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog in Texas on March 14, 2024.Photo:Alana Swaringen

Alana Swaringen

Willie NelsonandKermit the Frogare feeling the “Rainbow Connection.”

The duet served as the opening song of Willie Nelson and Family’s headlining set at the festival, and Kermit also joined him for a gospel medley of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Hard to Be Humble.”

Kermit the Frog in Texas on March 14, 2024.Alana Swaringen

Kermit’s original version of “Rainbow Connection” was released on the soundtrack ofThe Muppet Moviein 1979, and the song was a massive success, reaching No. 25 on theBillboardHot 100 and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

Nelson, 90, released a cover of the song for his 2001 albumRainbow Connection, which received a Grammy Award nomination for best country album. He’s since performed the version alongsideKacey Musgravesat the 2019 CMA Awards — but never alongside Kermit.

Other artists who took the stage at the 2024 Luck Reunion included Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Madi Diaz and John Oates.

Willie Nelson in Texas on March 14, 2024.Alana Swaringen

Earlier this week, Nelson announced his 75th studio album,The Border, will be released on May 31 and shared its title track, a cover of Rodney Cowell’s 2019 song from his albumTexas.

The “Always on My Mind” performer is currently gearing up for his annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which kicks off this summer in Alpharetta, Georgia, and continues throughout the summer before wrapping up on Sept. 17 in Buffalo, New York.

Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog in Texas on March 14, 2024.Alana Swaringen

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Family band,Bob Dylan,Robert Plant & Allison KrauseandJohn Mellencampwill join Nelson throughout the run, while select shows will also feature country starBrittney Spencer, soul singerCelisseand five-piece Memphis bandSouthern Avenue, as well as Bluegrass artistBilly Strings.

“This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love," the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said in a press release upon the tour’s announcement.

source: people.com