SPICEWOOD, Texas — Rainbows may only be illusions, but a very special performance of "Rainbow Connection" really did happen at the Luck Reunion on Thursday.
Country legend Willie Nelson – who hosts the Luck Reunion at his ranch every March – teamed up with legendary Muppet Kermit The Frog for the special duet during Nelson's headlining set. The unlikely pair also performed a Gospel medley of "Will The Circle Be Broken," "I'll Fly Away" and "Hard to Be Humble."
Kermit famously has a long history with "Rainbow Connection." The song was initially released in 1979 for "The Muppet Movie," and Kermit's rendition – performed by Muppets creator Jim Henson – earned an Academy Award nomination for "Best Original Song," according to Billboard.
But Nelson has history with the track as well. Billboard reports he first recorded a cover of "Rainbow Connection" in 2001, for his album of the same name. More recently, Nelson performed the song alongside fellow Texas native Kacey Musgraves at the 2019 CMA Awards.
According to Luck Presents, the collective behind Luck Reunion, this year's event featured a full day of music, food from renowned chefs and local vendors. More than 40 artists performed during the event, including Lukas Nelson, Zella Day, Old Crow Medicine Show and Tyler Childers.
Luck Reunion is held annually in mid-March at Nelson's "Luck, Texas" ranch, located at 1100 Bee Cave Road in Spicewood, Texas.