Kermit the Frog + a Choir! of 2000 sing "Rainbow Connection" at Lincoln Center!

This past October, Kermit the Frog joined us as we celebrated the grand opening of the new David Geffen Hall. This special sing-along performance of "Rainbow Connection" brought tears to our eyes. Look closely, you may spot yourself in the crowd singing along!
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🎶 :
"Rainbow Connection" is written by Paul Williams + Kenneth Ascher
Arranged for Choir! Choir! Choir! by Daveed Goldman
Creative Direction: Nobu Adilman
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman
Producer: Jason Burns
Booking Agent: Adam Bauer
Special thanks to everyone who came out to sing!
NewGround Entertainment:
DP/Cinematographer/Editor: Haghi Suka
Cinematographer: Oscar Salazar
Cinematographer: Carlton Carrington
Cinematographer: Stewart Jarrimillo
Cinematographer: Bob Ronin
Editor: Erick Gonzales
Editor: Ashley Priessnitz
Zero11Zero:
Colouring, Additional Audio/Visual Post: Byron Kent Wong

[@annaameche]

I didn’t know Kermit the frog could make me cry, but here we are. 😭

[@warriorgirl946]

Every time I hear this song. ❤

[@LincolnEddy]

Anna, you want to really cry over Kermit? Look up 'A Boy and His Frog' by Tom Smith. You will bawl.

[@heathergreen2646]

Me too, my favourite song as I listen and sing with tears in my eyes.

[@johntitor4952]

@@warriorgirl946 Me three or four, couldn't sing along, would choke up...

[@Hoodat_Whatzit]

It's hard for me to watch Kermit when it's not Henson. This was wonderful however. This and It's Not Easy Being Green do me in each and every time.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Imagine how Jim must feel as he looks down, seeing that Kermit is STILL giving hope and joy to MILLIONS, especially during this time. What greater work could somebody do than his creation have such a beautiful, lasting legacy.

[@jonathanroberts6434]

I wonder when Jim brought Kermit to life, if he knew that decades later we’d be singing this and loving the legacy left behind

[@gourdguru]

@@jonathanroberts6434 seeing as how kermit started off selling claussens brand white bread and McGarry's brand sausages, i doubt it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XLqIaBi6drla8

[@michaelstirton340]

The word genius is overused, but I think Jim Henson truly was a creative genius

[@DanSteadman]

Exactly what I came here to say. But you said it better.

[@Africa-ky1bg]

Oh...you are making me BALL ❗😭 I still can remember the shock & sorrow on the day he died & then the joy of his funeral/celebration of life with all his characters he created. It was SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SENDOFF ❗🐸🐸🐸

[@Hettepop]

I ❤ the guy who brought along his own Support Kermit. That’s my kind of friend!

[@jonathanroberts6434]

Jim Henson and his beautifully talented crew, inspired me to do puppeteer work. This song and everyone absolutely beautiful

[@christiangibbs8534]

2:25 Lower right corner: A baby in his mother's arms, holiding the music and trying to sing along. I can't help but think that Jim Henson looked down on this and smiled. RIP Jim. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this video, from the Lovers, the Dreamers, and me.

[@Erin-Thor]

Cool comment and memory! ❤

[@casiokeys1]

I was there! I moved away from my family over 2 years ago (from Texas to a Philly for grad school) and I miss them terribly. My dad introduced me to Choir Choir Choir a long time ago, so when I saw there was going to be a show in NYC I called him at the last minute and asked if he would come with me. 4 days later, he flew in and we were driving from Philly to New York. We had the most fun day together in the city and ended it singing this song with all of these people. They got a good shot of us at 1:50. So grateful to have a dad who books a plane ticket at the last minute just to sing a song with me. It was an experience we’ll never forget! 🌈🐸

[@ajsmellypiratehooker1019]

That's so cool! Before I read your comment I noticed you two swaying and it made me tear up with joy. I'm so glad you guys had that experience! Keep cherishing your dad time when you have it! 💖

[@patriciaobrien6600]

Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Musiclover-tm5es]

You look great! I hope you had fun!

[@Dilydaydream1]

Thats going to be some memory to tell the grandkids

[@AuntK68]

What a wonderful memory you created - thanks for your part in this!

[@augustgalifi1256]

I am in this clip several times! When they flash the words Featuring Kermit the Frog you can see me and my friends. Then there are a couple shots of me holding our Kermit puppet in the air.

[@audreydamnhunter]

I instructed my kids years ago that this song must be played at my funeral. I was initially going to play original Kermit version but I love this version better. Now will need to instruct them to hire a choir to sing along at the funeral and to also pass copies of it to attendees to sing along. I'm 55 now so hopefully there's time to have it all arranged. It's my favorite happy sad song ever. I feel a certain closeness to Jim Henson since I was in the ICU back in my early 30's and almost died from the same strain of pneumonia that took Jim's life. That's why this song is so very special to me. Always makes me cry but in a good way. RIP Mr. Henson. 😢🙂💜

[@richarddrury8319]

Wish I’d have been there.

[@FredsNeighbor101]

why not have your loved ones be the choir! :)

[@lizzybeth22]

"My favorite happy sad song" Well said

[@williamjones7163]

After so many years this still brings tears of hope and happiness to me.

[@jonathanroberts6434]

Me too, lot of tears

[@belladonnatook8851]

Me, three. A lot of years!

[@theatomicmom]

This is the anthem of Gen X. We grew up on the Muppets....all the feelz with this one guys. Thank you!

[@davidwelker3465]

Yes. Well said.

[@li0904426]

I believe this is the best version of Rainbow Connection so far. I am actually addicted to this video, I've been watching it over and over for weeks now. It's so good to feel the innocence and purity of this song again, especially when we see the state of humanity and the environment nowadays.

[@toscatattertail9813]

the best version is on the original movie.

[@downeastboy84]

@@toscatattertail9813 thank you

[@li0904426]

@@toscatattertail9813 I watched the original from the Muppet movie and I still like this version better. It's more vibrant and it has more soul and spirit!!

[@enrabahn8003]

You're not alone there, I keep coming back to this video. It just goes to show that music can bring everyone together, no matter what differences they have. A great way to restore faith in people.

[@AnaTsousaCrespo]

The most inclusive version❤ pure joy

[@patriciawhite6820]

This song always touches my heart!!! Our world needs this kind of softness and sweetness!

[@asavannah7439]

What an honor for those people to sing with the amazing Kermit the Frog ❤🐸

[@por420luv]

This is one of the purest things online. Love how this gives me the feels.

[@Fiona-zp2qt]

Thank You Paul Williams for writing this classic.

[@crazyweirdo9032]

For those that are wondering, the performer of Kermit is Matt Vogel. A long time muppet performer. I guess the Henson’s chose the right person because when I hear Kermit, I don’t hear Matt Vogel… I hear Jim Henson. 😢 well done, good sir. Well done.

[@SusanMJB45]

Thank you. I was wondering who was performing as Kermit. He did a wonderful job !!!

[@ozharms]

It’s nice to see everyone praising this guy, after all the crap we’ve said about him. He’s finally coming into his own as Kermit!

[@sha11235]

After Henson's death, Steve Whitmire did the voice. I don't know if he was picked by Henson to succeed him when it happened, or the group just did it. Now Matt Vogel is doing it. And remember, he did Constantine in the last Muppet film.

[@user-te2zq6tb9k]

Henson chose Steve Whitmire, who was much better than Vogel. But they canceled Whitmire out of wokeness and they're ruining Henson's creation.

[@andrejohnson2599]

The voice still throws me off. It's too deep

[@maridepp53]

My late dad loved Kermit and I’m picturing him smiling while watching this.

[@ckneo3405]

Memories, tears, all start to flood once Kermit started his singing... No idea who is behind this voice, but he sure hits all the right notes -- just the way he sounds when i first heard this song ! The arrangement is fantastic and the performance is excellent ! Thank you for sharing this wonderful clip !!!

[@astertempleton1266]

Jim Henson traditionally.

[@Mkelm444]

Well except the fact that Jim Henson has been dead for three decades. Steve Whitmire did the voice from 90-2016 and Matt Vogel has been the primary puppeteer/ voice actor since then. Vogel has over 25 years with the Henson Company and is one of the principle actors including Kermit and Big Bird.

[@ckneo3405]

@@Mkelm444 Thank you for sharing ! Sincere appreciations !

[@sioux4ever220]

@@Mkelm444 I thought Jim Hensons son took over Kermit’s voice when Jim died. I remember his son doing it and he sounded close but not quite

[@Mkelm444]

@@sioux4ever220 Brian Henson may have done it in interviews or something like that but he never was the Kermit puppeteer. Most of his career was behind the camera as producer and director.

[@pwatson5766]

Didn't plan to listen to whole song, but I was listening, and looking at all those beautiful faces; and suddenly I believed in America again! Do tears harm phones?

[@AnnieGoddard-zl3tk]

This song is part of my childhood and honestly my eyes are full right now! Magic.

[@aradraugfea6755]

Nothing sums up the Muppets like the shot of the woman in the audience shooting a heart hand sign towards a little green frog made of felt with ping pong balls for eyes. Yeah, maybe there was a visible puppeteer that could have seen her. The framing of all of the shots of the stage are very deliberate in a way that it's hard to be sure, but that wasn't for the puppeteer, that was for Kermit.

[@MarceldeJong]

What do you mean puppeteer? Kermit is real! :)

[@TheEmeraldWeirdo]

I get that a lot of Muppet fans are frustrated that this seems to be the only Muppet song that Disney's been giving any real attention to, but... I don't blame Disney in the slightest. This song is JUST THAT GOOD.

[@susanwest2522]

Oh, how beautiful this was! Thank you Kermit and Choir!!❤

[@tonkacola]

Thanks for making me cry.. so Beautiful.

[@nedsantos1415]

I cry every single time I hear this song. It's the deepest yearning in every soul.

[@deborahhannah8275]

Somehow, some way, I am going to be part of one of these events. Once a chorister, always a chorister 💕😃👍

[@charlesheld3725]

Wouldn't that have been a great setting for a 1st date.

[@jonathanroberts6434]

Jim would love this , I think anyone with the love for life would adore this. Course if I had been there, I would have brought my Kermit too and puppet

[@AuntK68]

That would be an amazing first date!

[@sambusinessaccount8746]

Didnt know I needed this. Thanks.

[@christiangibbs8534]

Exactly.

[@Philip-de-la-Torre-Senior]

My faith in humanity has been restored. My gratitude to everyone that was there. Happy tears, heart full.

[@Merlodica]

🥰❤️💕🌈

[@profx23]

They forgot the "La dee-dee da-deedy da at the end." That's one of the best parts! 😏

[@marilynsnider8183]

Gotta love The Frog!

[@cherrypotion27]

I've always loved Kermit's signature song. I love that frog so much, I wish I could meet him and give him a big hug. He's wonderful!

[@emdelmonaco]

They are the BEST! We had the privledge of singing with Choir Choir Choir in Thousand Oaks, California with our daughters. So much fun! Don't miss the opportunity to surround yourself with song.

[@TheCherri306]

Jim would be proud. This was beautiful, brought tears to my eyes. Well done all ❤

[@joergschneider4265]

Oh yes, this great song by Kermit the Frog is and remains uniquely beautiful and unforgettable in all our hearts, no matter where. Anyone who has heard this son simply wants to hear it again and again, because it goes straight to the heart and soul. I saw the movie about it at the time and even though it's made for children and it's quite cheesy, I cried snot and water when this song was played. I have translated the text into German and have used it a few times at celebrations in old people's homes and nursing homes. sung together with the residents and the song was always very popular. I thank you to those who wrote the song and to you who made this video with Kermit 1000 thanks for the beautiful touching moment. 👍😘😘🤗

[@sha11235]

Thanks for mentioning what you cried. That isn't really necessary.

[@jboscoe]

i know this posted years ago but i still love these characters and the hensons brand of music. Simple and heart wrenting. But i am old and still love music i can follow and sing along. Thanks Everyone.

[@toddsimpson9164]

Not exactly. I mean, Jim Henson approved it, but it was written by Paul Williams. He is also known as "Little Enos" in the first 2 Smoky And The Bandit films!

[@ajurado800]

I reliably start crying as soon as he hits "Have you been half-asleep..."

[@patrizzo677]

Love Kermit and seeing all the different people singing together makes me feel hope for our world. ❤❤Thank you Jim Hensen and Paul Williams.

[@rainbowroom24-7-52]

This song has always got me in my feels.

[@zeldamaster702]

This is one of the best performances I’ve heard Matt do since taking over Kermit.

[@paularoderick2150]

Love Kermit. Thank you to Kermit and the choir

[@merlin8537]

I miss Jim Henson. I'll always cherish Kermit, the little part of himself Jim left behind, to keep us warm.

[@janesinclair4696]

Just beautiful...Thinking how many people in the Choir grew up watching Sesame Street. What a special moment for them... ❤ .

[@nileswilson577]

What a Nice way to start the Day singing with Kermit the frog. I love that Guy 😍🤩

[@mariarosenquest9950]

I've always loved Kermit and the song Rainbow Connection since childhood. On my 63rd year, the song still resonates with that ever hopeful reminder that in our moments of isolation, we are never truly alone.

[@lmacdonald1281]

Each of us is an important part of the Rainbow Connection. We need each and every one.

[@davewilson9738]

One of the greatest songs ever written for a film.

[@gymjongonline9923]

All of us under it spell…

[@russheimerich9512]

This will instantly clear up almost any bad mood.

[@lorettacassidy6078]

I saved this to my email so whenever I’m feeling sad or alone I can sing it with Kermit!💚

[@garthdavis4320]

That was just beautiful.😭

[@hollybigger2369]

This song has a place in my heart. As a child played it on my Casio (Kermit and Miss Piggy) Muppets keyboard. One of those childhood memories that hasn't faded away.

[@dawnbell7826]

Sometimes we just CAN"T WAIT" to cheer on the MUSIC! SO MUCH JOY !

[@funeralangelo]

Chills... Literally chills

[@matthewpowell2429]

This brought tears to my eyes. Jim would be happy to have seen this.

[@davidwelker3465]

This is my child hood song. First song i remember hearing when i was about 5. I grew up on Kermit and the Muppets. I am in tears with this song. Thank you for the most beautiful song ever.

[@aliciak1959]

Thank you, Paul Williams and Kenneth Asher for write this song.

[@l.a.3479]

writing

[@lisao9486]

Should have won the Oscar as well

[@zest8]

Simply stunning…..tears!

[@AuntK68]

Just imagining how many times I'll replay this over the coming years. This is one of those videos you come back to when you need a smile. 💖🐸

[@katiejoy8268]

Isometime wake up sing ing and humming this amazing song! So So sweet .. in a time and day and age where there is so much discontent and terrible evil going on ... this songs brings us a sweet feeling of loving one another forgiving others, just being kind... it is such a sweet tune too... Thank you author and sweet kermit!!

[@Katzi_]

I'm not crying ...I'm NOT crying...Honest! er...OK...*SNIF...* Anyone got tissues?

[@marcy6161]

Yep. I had an unscheduled ugly cry over this!

[@cici7333]

Every single time I hear this song, I cry.

[@michael5089]

Beautiful 💜💙 ☺️☺️I still have this on a Muppets vinyl album💙💙💙💙👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@merlin8537]

Kermit teaches the miracle of the rainbow to the Waukesha, WI School Board. Well done, frog.

[@bkatz0218]

I just love this song. ❤

[@shandabenjamin-herchanik1479]

This so beautiful❤️❤️❤️ I keep playing it😊 think I want it played and sung at any funeral services I have 😊❤️🤗

[@kimberlynoble5823]

Me too

[@cmac2375]

Me three!

[@iammowma]

Me four!

[@TheRealTwigLA]

Great idea! I'm adding it to my funeral/memorial playlist.

[@edwardsepulvado8617]

So beautiful. My eyes are moist. Love seeing older couples swaying/dancing together. Kudos to ALL involved. Much love and thank you.😚

[@pegedey1291]

This is our family, ohana , song. Beautiful and made me cry.

[@taralkeys]

Love. Oh, my heartstrings. Thank you

[@karenprater4567]

I'm crying happy tears... my father took me and my sisters to this movie. Wonderful memories

[@MELANIE2571]

This song takes me right back to be ing a little girl. This is so so beautiful. Thank you so much

[@nancyjaplon4909]

Made me cry.

[@angemaidment5640]

I will always love this song. It’s a simple tune, easy to sing, and so innocent. As much as I love all kinds of music, this is one of the best. Up there with “Love is All”.

[@sha11235]

This song is better than any of the songs in the last Muppet film.

[@julianhazlett3270]

I love this so much.

[@eugeniasyro5774]

Cryiing. So beautiful!!

[@robertwilson33]

I remember the sadly missed and much loved Jim Henson performing this as Kermit the frog playing the banjo on a log in a pond.I absolutely love this it always makes me smile.❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@sha11235]

It was a swamp. And that was no piece of cake either.

[@barbaramcmillan9279]

This made me smile and nostalgic! Whoever voiced Kermit sounded just like his creator, Jim Henson!

[@nondescript2892]

No he doesn't..not even close

[@tulinfirenze1990]

@@Asukenick This is not Steve though. And I NEVER felt his interpretation was right.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

@@nondescript2892 I am a "voice" person and this latest performer is MUCH closer to Henson's more throaty, bass tones than Whitmire's high nasal tones. I NEVER liked Whitmire's interpretation. What you're reacting to and railing against is actually your own familiarity with Whitmire's incorrect interpretation that you were exposed to for decades. Older, true fans of the Muppets can actually hear this is closer to the Kermit THEY remember, as voiced by Henson, himself.

[@weebunny]

The person who currently performs Kermit is Matt Vogel. He has years of experience working with the Muppets, and has apparently worked really hard to develop his own interpretation of Kermit. And really, no one's going to interpret any Muppet in exactly the same way as its original performer (and many of the original performers have retired or passed on). Steve Whitmire's Kermit was a bit different from Jim's, but the essence of Kermit was still there. And Matt Vogel's Kermit is slightly different from both previous versions, but he's still Kermit. Whitmire and Vogel have both performed Kermit with great respect for Jim's original performances, but they can't just be mimics. They've had to put something of themselves in their performances, so Kermit is still "alive" and not just a clichéd, hollow impersonation of his old self. (I'm not sure I expressed that thought very well, but hopefully people can figure out what I mean.)

[@LoreleiMission]

@@Asukenick Steve is amazing yes, but this is Matt Vogel. I admit when I clicked I was hoping this would be from the Steve era, because the delivery would've been a bit more emotional.

[@oopik0059]

They played this song on the organ at Jim Henson’s funeral. Loved it.

[@johniringan8460]

It brought back many of my childhood memories...

[@tc1718]

No, those aren't tears. Really, they're not. Such a beautiful version.

[@appleman1011]

why is this not viral yet ive got tears the world needs to see and feel this we are all connected here's to a better future thank you for making the world a more magical place

[@coasterguy]

Favourite song of all time. OF. ALL. TIME. Gotta ask, though.... why go from A maj to B maj on "magic" instead of Bb maj like the original? It seems that Kermit even hit the usual Bb then quickly corrected himself to the higher key.

[@rickhobson3211]

Bawling my eyes out! So beautiful!

[@anniegoddard615]

Beautiful. Always bring a lump to my throat.]

[@noelocampo9511]

So beautiful, brought back a lot of wonderful childhood memories, just gave me happy tears.

[@moviesrocks2]

OMG! that was AMAZING! this song makes me cry every time i hear it. this song sung by a choir? buckets of tears! WOW!

[@stretch3736]

This is my favourite song ever!!

[@Cynthia-fy4br]

What a lovely performance of the Rainbow Connection, the audience is amazing. 🐸

[@ozharms]

This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

[@TheMisfit291]

I am crying the happiest tears I have ever cried.

[@zelzouamb]

I absolutely love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sontimalonti]

Took me 7 repeat watches to realise that the man with the guitar... I don't want to spoil the magic, but kudos to Kermit the guitarist. So much love to you all!

[@bryanhultgren7215]

Somewhere in Heaven, Jim Henson has the biggest smile on his face

[@joepattersontheartguy]

Out of al the versions of this song, this is my favorite!

[@andrewbrennan9435]

Wow, great song and could not have been edited better! A+

[@memim9635]

Wonderful, so looking forward to the next time I get to catch up with CCC

[@styx6983]

That was pure joy 😊.

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

And LOVE ❤

[@antm64]

Gotta tell ya...this video really warmed my heart...and made my eyes tear up with joy. THANK YOU to all participants!

[@cmac2375]

Magical, that's all.

[@thisisme2995]

This makes me cry. Sometimes when half asleep I hear voices. I hear my parents talking in the kitchen of the house I grew up in. It seems so real. Miss you Mum & Dad.

[@a3a14613]

What a beautiful moment! ❤❤❤