Willie Nelson made a “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit the Frog at his annual Luck Reunion festival on Thursday night (March 14th), bringing the Muppet out for a surprise appearance during his headlining set.
In addition to singing the 1979 hit together, Nelson and Kermit also played a gospel medley of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Hard to Be Humble.” Check out video clips and a photo gallery of the performance below.
Nelson and Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection” duet has been a long time coming, dating back to Nelson’s cover of the song on his 2001 album of the same name. In 2019, he performed it with Kacey Musgraves at the CMA Awards.
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Meanwhile, Kermit has performed the song with Jim James of My Morning Jacket at Newport Folk Festival and Debbie Harry. More recently, Barbra Streisand released a duet version of “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit on her 2021 compilation, Release Me 2.
Other Luck Reunion performers included Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Madi Diaz, John Oates, and Rett Madison.
Nelson’s next album, The Border, arrives on May 31st, and he has a busy touring schedule up ahead. Besides appearing at Stagecoach Music Festival next month and joining Chris Stapleton for a summer date on his “All-American Road Show,” Nelson will co-headline the “Outlaw Music Festival Tour” with Bob Dylan from June through September. Get tickets here.
🎶🐸✨ Talk about a magical moment!
Willie Nelson and surprise guest Kermit the Frog stole the show at @LuckReunion, belting out classics like “Rainbow Connection” and a soul-stirring Gospel medley—only at Willie’s ranch in Spicewood!
🔗: https://t.co/oXtUooAsvC| @cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/kFHpBpeYqv
— John-Carlos Estrada 🎙️ (@Mr_JCE) March 15, 2024
I don’t use emojis almost ever, but @WillieNelson and @KermitTheFrog at @LuckReunion – 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DBcOssdpOo
— Andy Langer (@Andylanger) March 15, 2024