The Rainbow Connection
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"The Rainbow Connection" is a popular song 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 Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, The Dixie Chicks, Justin Timberlake, The Carpenters, Jason Mraz, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Caroline's Spine and many others. The song was written by Paul Williams and Kenneth (Kenny) Asher.
Chart success
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.Oscar nominations
Kenny Ascher received Oscar nominations at the [1979 Academy Awards] both for the entire song score for the movie and for this unlikely radio hit which Kermit sings with all the dreamy wistfulness of a short, green Judy Garland. Actually, "The Rainbow Connection" serves the same purpose in this film 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. The song also won the Golden Globes for "Best Original Song" in 1979.The song was recorded by the original voice of Kermit, Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets.
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[link], a summer camp for seriously ill children[link], and a horseback riding camp for people with disabilities[link]. It is also the name of a suspender and tie store[link] and a gay and lesbian retreat.[link]
Notable lines from the song
- Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.
- Why are there so many songs about rainbows?
- I've heard it too many times to ignore it
- All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic
External links
- ["The Rainbow Connection" lyrics], used with permission at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences website.
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