This week, one of the most influential actors and musicians on the planet turned 69: Kermit the Frog.
Jim Henson created Kermit’s earliest “prototype” in 1955 for the show called Sam and Friends, and throughout his rising stardom, Henson himself performed the voice of Kermit until his death in 1990. Today, it is hard to remember a world without Kermit the Frog.
Since everyone is likely already gearing up for his big 70th birthday celebration next year, I want to share some of the huge influence Kermit and his Muppet pals have had on the world of music, starting — -and ending — -with his most popular tune: “The Rainbow Connection.”
Written for The Muppet Movie in 1979 by Paul Williams, “The Rainbow Connection” clicked with kids, adults, and musicians with its positive message to dreamers everywhere. Williams is now in his 80s and still writing for soundtracks and collaborating with other artists, including working with Portugal. The Man in 2023.
“The Rainbow Connection” has been covered by dozens of artists from Sarah McLachlan to Jason Mraz and The Dixie Chicks to Willie Nelson. Debbie Harry even sang it with Kermit on the original Muppet Show. But you know what? I gotta go with Gwen Stefani’s cool version from three years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=538UpUeRmqw
Here are a couple of other great performances inspired by the music of the Muppets:
“Muppet Show Theme” by OK Go
Only OK Go is worthy of the innovative zaniness of this song, and with the help of the Muppets themselves, they get tossed through all their own popular music videos in true OK Go form.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiMZa8flyYY
“Movin’ Right Along” by Alkaline Trio
Pop-punk band Alkaline Trio got back together this year for a tour after a six-year hiatus, but still one of my favorites by them is their nifty cover of “Movin’ Right Along.” I only wish they had made an official video of this, but thanks to YouTube there are plenty of good fan-made versions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-HE9sJb6u8
“Rock On” by The Electric Mayhem… and friends
Here’s something new! Besides Animal and Janice being my favorite muppets of all time, The Electric Mayhem are music business icons. They might not always be conventionally professional, but they know what to do when they get behind a mic. A few months ago, they released their first single for Spotify, and some other eccentric performers like Orville Peck, Rico Nasty, and Ashnikko showed up to lend a hand. They did this in conjunction with a new short-lived Muppet series last year, The Muppets Mayhem. However, on its own the song sounds great, and it should be longer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIo0CvdaN48
“Mahna Mahna” by The Fray
It’s hard to find a decent cover of this piece of Muppet insanity. Cake did one in 2007, but when the official Green Album of Muppet covers came out, The Fray nailed it. Sing along. I know you will.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybJX7hsdsek
“I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” by The Dresden Dolls
Originally sung by Gonzo in The Muppet Movie, this dreamlike cover by alt duo Dresden Dolls raised funds for Boston area residents affected by coronavirus back in 2020. It proves not everything from the Muppets is wacky and out-of-control.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vHrPkJWMrE
“The Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog
I mentioned earlier I wanted to start and end this list with “The Rainbow Connection,” but there is really no one better to perform it than the frog himself. Kermit’s original movie soundtrack version reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it first came out. Back in 2020, when we were all sad and isolated, Kermit returned to his swamp to give us this special performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS5fTzMP_mg
Happy Birthday, Kermit. Thank you for keeping us dreaming, laughing, stargazing, and singing along all these years.
