A duet over 20 years in the making happened at 2024 Luck Reunion when the country and Muppet legends united onstage
In a much-anticipated duet more than 20 years in the making, Willie Nelson was finally joined onstage by Kermit the Frog to perform “Rainbow Connection” together Thursday at the Luck Reunion.
The Oscar-nominated song was a hit for Kermit (and Jim Henson) after it featured in 1979’s The Muppet Movie, and over the next decades was covered by the likes of the Carpenters, the Chicks, Kenny Loggins, and Nelson, whose tender rendition became a classic in its own right after it featured on his 2001 album also titled Rainbow Connection.
While Nelson over the years has performed “Rainbow Connection” with artists like Kacey Musgraves — and Kermit has duetted it with everyone from Barbra Streisand to Debbie Harry to My Morning Jacket’s Jim James — the two legends of their respective fields (country, muppetry) had never met onstage to sing it together, until Thursday.
The Kermit appearance capped yet another noteworthy day in the life of Nelson, who in addition to hosting his annual Luck Reunion at his Texas ranch also announced the impending arrival of his latest album, The Border. The Luck Reunion itself also featured sets from Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Madi Diaz, John Oates, Rett Madison, and more.
Later this summer, Nelson will be joined by another legend on tour when he teams up with Bob Dylan for this year’s roving Outlaw Music Festival.