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The Rainbow Connection
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The Rainbow Connection" is a popular song written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher and originally performed by Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) in The Muppet Movie in 1979. By extension, as evidenced in the TV special, The Muppets at Walt Disney World, the song has come to epitomize the ideals and artistic spirit of Henson and his company as much as "When You Wish Upon a Star" represents Walt Disney and his company.
It has been covered by artists such as Leftöver Crack, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, The Dixie Chicks, Justin Timberlake, The Carpenters, Kiki and Herb, Jason Mraz, The Pussycat Dolls, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Tay Zonday, Jim Brickman, Caroline's Spine, The Dresden Dolls, Willie Nelson (who is actually often incorrectly credited with penning the song), pop-punk band Fifteen, Lea Salonga, Andy Bernard in The Office and many others. It was sung by Blondie's Debbie Harry in a duet with Kermit on the Muppet Show in 1981 (Season 5).
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Kermit's version of "The Rainbow Connection" reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of 1979; the song remained in the Top 40 for 7 weeks total.
Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams received Oscar nominations at the 1979 Academy Awards for the movie score and for "The Rainbow Connection", which the All Music Guide describes as an "unlikely radio hit ... which Kermit the Frog sings with all the dreamy wistfulness of a short green Judy Garland."[1] AMG goes on to add that "'The Rainbow Connection' serves the same purpose in [The Muppet Movie] that 'Over the Rainbow' serves in The Wizard of Oz, with nearly equal effectiveness: an opening establishment of the characters' driving urge for something more in life."[1] The song was also nominated for the Golden Globes for "Best Original Song" in 1979.
The popular song's name has been used by a number of charitable organizations wishing to evoke its message, including a children's charity similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation[1], a summer camp for seriously ill children[2], and a horseback riding camp for people with disabilities[3]. It is also the name of a suspender and tie store[4]
On 22 March 1996 a young man briefly held a New Zealand radio station hostage. One of his key demands was that the station play "The Rainbow Connection".[2]
In the Office episode "The Convict", Andy Bernard serenades Pam Beesly with a high-pitched, pig Latin version of the song and banjo accompaniment.
In the episode "Cold Spell" of the Series Picket Fences (first aired 28 October 1994), Paul Williams appeared in a guest role and performed his own song.
- ^ a b Cater, Darryl. Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack Review. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
- ^ CNN World Fringe.