This was always Henson's approach to the Muppets. A few months ago, I stumbled across a cache of UA-cam vids with some entire episodes of _The Jimmy Dean Show._ In the second episode of the first season, Dean had Rowlf on the show to promote National Dog Week. Rowlf was such a hit, he came back the next week, and never left. Rowlf was the first nationwide Muppet star, and I was one of his 7-year-old fans. Live variety shows were great, but no other host had a smart-mouthed, ad-libbing hound dog.
"We're not writing for children. We're writing for the child in all of us" I'm not crying. I'm making refractions in my eyes. Maybe just a sad day for me. But it happens to the best of us. I guess all we can hope is that today's tears cast tomorrows rainbows.
Sean, I am with you...a Profoundly Beautiful Song, and your share was so Eloquently written. Sending you Love ❤️ in hopes you are seeing those rainbows 🌈 Thank You 🙏
It's sad in a way for any one of us whom has true heart and feeling. We all miss those beautiful rare first time memories we had as children. It means that you are always growing in compassion, understanding, depth and true heart. Those are the memories u will eventually take with you from then, and now and eventually to the rainbow
@@saskiaisskra3240 It's so true. The older I get, I feel like my life is more a collection of memories rather than dreams. I cherish my memories but all are tinged with pain. There are so many things I've yet to do or experience, Idk why I shouldn't have dreams. Perhaps all dreams seem a hollow mist when you can't share them with the one you love.
The biggest travesty in the entire history of the Academy Awards is that "Rainbow Connection" did not win Best Original Song in 1979. The winner that year was an entirely forgettable song that disappeared from our culture instantaneously, while this is still one of the greatest movie songs of all. "Over the Rainbow," another of those songs about rainbows, and "When You Wish Upon a Star" are really the only other contenders.
Robert Spretnak. Sadly must agree. While the other song had a powerful message in its movie, and it was done by some greats, it did not stand the test of time. Good posting, sir.
Jim Henson was an introvert and was rather shy and self-deprecating in most of his interviews. But when he picked up Kermit, Rowlf, or another of his Muppets, the change was immediate. You're talking to the character and not Henson, because all his characters were projections of himself. I saw the Muppet Movie in the theatre in 1979 and never forgot this song.
I was 5 years old when I saw it in the theater. I remember it like I saw it yesterday. When we watch it as a family, all 6 of my warrior children cry when Kernit sings that song. And I cry with them.
Two songs that move me to tears every time are Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz and the Rainbow Connection. As I am approaching the end of my time here, they have both become more meaningful, bringing hope to my heart and soul. I do not seek the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it is traveling in that beautiful light. Thank you!
As much as I love hearing Karen Carpenter sing this beautiful song, Kermit will always have such a special place in my heart, reminding me of my childhood.
Respect to Karen Carpenter but Kermit blows her away on this one. One of the greatest songs ever written, and Kermit’s performance (not Jim’s, Kermit’s, as Paul says) is absolutely mesmerizing.
@@ejrosenthal I've read that Karen would agree with you. She had actually not wanted to record it. But Richard wanted to, to give a loving and respectful nod to Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Muppets, and Jim Henson. Karen loved them, too, and so they did it to honor Jim Henson and his Muppet family. Karen was a huge Disney, Mickey Mouse fan, too. But yeah, I've read in the Carpenters' history and notes, and quotes from Richard, that she was not keen on recording it, but did it anyway. Who could sing it better than Kermit? Nobody.
I sing rainbow connection to every child I ever held in my arms. This song calms a child immediately. The child could be screaming but if I sing "why are there some many songs about rainbows" the child calms down immediately. It's like magic! Thank you for writing such a sweet and truly magical song! It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
It is a lullaby, after all. Deceptively, simple, but so profound. It went completely over my head for probably 25 years. And I am now discovering how wonderful it is.
@@sallymjmj750 Just yday I played for my 3yo grandson. He rarely sits still but we cuddled for 30 minutes and he began to sing along in many parts. I think it was our closest moment so far. There will be many more moments in the upcoming weeks as the holidays come. I'm gonna throw in Rubber Ducky in a few days....another great song from the Muppets. It hit the radio when I was in 9 grade. It actually charted at #16. I adore The Muppets
A national treasure is right. The Rainbow Connection is one of those songs that nobody can ruin when they sing it. I have never heard a bad version. One of my all time favorite songs.
This is our wedding song as well! Except our doofy DJ couldn't "find" it so we had to settle for It Had to Be You, but in our hearts, this is THE song!
I worked with Paul Williams back in 2005 and 2006 on a stage musical version of HAPPY DAYS. He is truly one if the kindest, most generous humans I've ever met. A true musical genius.
Long after Jim Henson died, I forget why I was there, but even as a professional actor, I just happened to be in front of that glorious gate at the Jim Henson Workshop in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t help but stop and be in awe, to feel the magic. I’ve been around A-List, historic and unforgettable stars every day for work many years, but standing on the sidewalk in front of that gate was special. The only person I can compare Jim Henson to is Steven Spielberg, best boss I ever had.
John Ohkuma Thiel, that was such a great comment to post!!! Thank you so much!!! I was just picturing you standing on the sidewalk in front of the gate that led to the Jim Henson's workshop!!! Wish I could go back in time and meet you there!!!
My 43-year-old daughter just said that this is "our song." We'd play the Muppet Movie tape on road trips when she was little, and this evokes so many wonderful memories. We still considering "our song."
Lorraine Myers I get the same way too. Have you seen the UA-cam vid a newer one with Kermit singing it - search “ a special performance of Rainbow Connection” it’s so cute with him turning on and off the video
Me too..my sister loved Kermit(as a kid she wanted to marry him) and this song reminds me of her..she died in 1990 so this song holds a special place in my ❤
This song is the first on my top song picks. I truly LOVE the Rainbow Connection, especially as sung by Kermit. It touches the heart and makes me teary eyed every time I hear it. RIP Jim Hensen. You were genius. And, of course, Paul Williams is in a category all his own.
“If frank has miss piggy there, and Jim has Kermit, there are five of you in the conversation”. I love this, and can sorta back it. I was lucky enough that one day at my work, the actor who played Cookie Monster came to our office and we got to meet him. And I swear, it took less than 10 seconds of conversation before I unintentionally found myself talking to the muppet instead of the human. I was in my early to mid 30s, but it’s like some childhood trigger of familiarity just clicked, and I couldn’t stop myself
(Armchair guitarist picking out the surprisingly difficult melody): TRC may be simple enough for a frog, but musically it's quite sophisticated--unconventional, interesting intervals. Thanks to the creators.
I feel the connection to the music in my very soul. I still remember the very first time I heard The Rainbow Connection. It was like hearing a rainbow for the first time
I remember seeing Paul Williams performing on every show on TV in the 70’s & 80’s. Always a treat to see him and hear his music. He won so many awards at that time.
I've always thought that The Muppets were (no, ARE) so creative and so great to watch at any time. There's so much to gain from the stories for each of our lives. May they never disappear from the Earth.
I walked down the isle to this song for my husband's and my wedding. Our kids actually bought us an ornament of Kermit singing it and now our grandchildren listen to it. I have loved rainbows since I was a little girl. I've seen them on the day I got engaged, the day our daughter entered heaven, etc... I wrote a book titled The Raindrops on the Windshield Sounds like Popcorn. It talks about the rainbows in my life. I've come close to dying over 300x (no exaggeration and why I wrote the book to tell our children about grace through adversity). The song is about that
Most people probably aren’t aware of how many hit songs Paul Williams wrote that were performed by other artists. But I really like the songs he wrote and performed himself.
This man is a genius. My mom had a vinyl record of his work in his own voice and instruments. I remember I had a little cheap record player with a built in speaker, but just good enough to listen. Magic. I always associate his music with my childhood.
I believe I have that same record. The white one, eh? Listened to it till the needle wore through. For all the genius of the many other artists that recorded his music, Paul was the master. His own versions are the essence.
I met Paul on a cruise when we went into town. I told him he was the greatest songwriter ever!! Had I known he wrote my most favorite song in the world... I would have probably been to afraid to say hello to him!!
I have a personal connection to this song too.... One day, in the early '80s, I was working in my stained glass studio and listening to the radio....I was toying with the idea of actually starting a business making glass items and also giving stained glass lessons... But I needed a name for the business.... Guess what song came on the radio at exactly the same moment I was searching for a name.... YUP... The Rainbow Connection! Perfect name for a business that produced 'rainbows'....Thanks Paul and Kermit....
Yesterday was 12/21/20, the day of the great conjunction and winter solstice. Over a million people were meditating on peace. Today the rainbow connection popped into my head and listening to the words after so many years, it made more sense today.
This was our first dance as a married couple. We brought it with us, put our earbuds in, and danced to Kermit singing Rainbow connection, under the Eiffel Tower
I’ve loved this song for almost as long as I’ve been alive. As a kid watching the Muppets I really wanted nothing more than to be Debbie Harry sitting in a robe backstage in a theatre with Kermit singing Rainbow Connection. Now the line ‘rainbows have nothing to hide’ is one of my touchstone quotations. Thank you for blessing the world with this song. I shall have it at my funeral (hopefully a long way away yet) as it is perfect.
Wonderful interview and beautiful story about a truly special song. I really appreciate the humility of Paul Williams; I'm so glad to hear about his sobriety. I wish him God's continued blessings into the future.
I just had the urge to listen to the song and pulled up the video here on UA-cam. That led me to this video. There's so much love, faith, and talent intertwined with this song. THANK YOU Paul Williams, Jim Henson, and thank you Tennessean for this interview. You brought a tear to my eyes hearing this.
Paul Williams stole my heart in one of my favourite movies, Frog. I can’t tell you the number of times I showed that movie to students and I did that because of the number of lessons it taught about living and getting along with others and not being bothered about being different. It taught about success born of determination and so much more. Paul’s voice and music added so much to those lessons doing so through humour and sincerity.Maybe it was many years ago but there is no date for emotional experiences. Shelley Duvall must have known that this film would live in the hearts of many. Thank you Mr. Williams.
My son's kindergarten teacher, taught her class this song for a Spring concert, age 5 and that was 11 year's ago he used to sing this every morning for 2 month's, but it never got old :)
An incredibly beautiful song that stuck over time. May God get glory for these artists’ creativity on a song about rainbows - God’s amazing creativity and sign of His covenant to humans that He would not destroy the entire world again by flood after the judgment in Noah’s day where only 8 people believed in Him. Jesus the creator of rainbows and song. 🌈 🎵 🎶 ❤☝️🌎
One of my all-time favorite songs, and I've never heard anyone do it better than Kermit the Frog. It definitely should have won the Academy Award for the best song. The Academy almost always has had a bias against family-type movies, no matter how great the music.
I can never even remember which song won against it but it was something I remember being thoroughly unimpressed with from a movie I've still never seen...
@@princezzpuffypants6287 The song was "It Goes Like It Goes" from the movie "Norma Rae" It also beat out "Through the Eyes of Love" from "Ice Castles" as well as a couple others I've never heard of.
One of those rare songs that gets better every time you hear it. Just listened to it 5 times on the trot by different artists and my heart is smiling, even though some renditions weren't that good. The song is so great it doesn't matter if the singer is dire. Pure joy and hope set to music. X
We have the plush Kermit that sings “the rainbow connection”, it belonged to our elder daughter and she passed it down to our newborn daughter. Now they both love it.
I always thought "someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection...the lovers, the dreamers and me." meant all the divisions between the races will realize the different colors make a wonderful rainbow. That we are not just colors that we are all just lovers, and dreamers and the message Jim Hensen always stressed, you are an important part of this world just as you are. That's what the song meant to me. Hope for peace.
The most simplistic song is the greatest song ever written That's God!!! This song makes me weep good tears!! We need it now!! What this country has been going through Wow its 2020 much needed for what this country has been through
What a beautiful interview!! Thank you for this. And I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the wonderful comments people have left. This song has touched to many people. It’s truly magical.
Absolutely love this song, cannot help but sing along every time I hear it and it gets stuck in my brain for weeks at a time. Beautiful, lovely tune and sentiment.❤❤❤❤❤ Paul Williams - THANK-YOU!!!
I heard the music in that movie when I was younger but didn’t really listen until I was older. Like it wasn’t until I was an adult that I’m Going To Go Back There Someday really hit me.
9-19-23 Today. Happy Birthday Paul Williams!🎉❤ "Rainbow Connection" remains one of my all-time favorite songs! Your words go to the soul.Thank You Paul.Your fan since 1970.😘❤
Rainbow 🌈 connection is one of my all time favorite songs! I think it embodies hope. Kermit speak🥰 another favorite was sung by Cantus. Henson was a genius and he collected amazing people around him. Thank you for sharing this story.
I had to put my beloved shih tzu to sleep yesterday. It feels as if my heart is broken. Before she passed I told her to meet me at the Rainbow bridge and I will be looking for her. I am learning to play this song on piano now. Every time I play it I will think of her and smile and cry at the same time. Rest In Peace my precious Zozo.
Condolences. I also have a beloved, aging Shih-Tzu, and today felt oddly drawn to a YT video of TRC. I picked out its (surprisingly difficult) melody on my old guitar, my pal snoozing at my side. Priceless song.
This song always brings tears to my eyes as it reminds me of my children in their early, innocent days. Love Rainbow Connection and forever grateful for the genius who brought it to me.
I remember watching the Muppet movie in the movie theater when I was 10 years old and it was fun. I loved watching the Muppets TV series too. I enjoyed listening to Rainbow connection. I love Miss. Piggy and Kermit.
I sob every time I hear the song, especially seeing Kermit sitting n the swamp. Like millions of others in history, I was a creative kid who became an artist. I dream every day, and this song reminds me of how i started
Paul Williams IS a treasure. Truly. Very few people have had, or will have such a broad influence on culture. His music is known and loved worldwide. Paul Williams is a champion for musicians and their art. He stands against censorship. His music and contributions to musicianship are immeasurable. Squidly, From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I was 15 when it was released but I have such a connection to Paul Williams of my childhood. Even in grade school I knew who he was because he was behind the writing of like 70 percent of the hit music back then, and his comic timing is just so spot on. He had me rolling in smokey n the bandit. Again I will only listen to him singing this song. But much respect to Kermit.
These two guys are awesome. To this day, I still have a love for Paul Williams and Brian De Palma's _Phantom of the Paradise_ rock opera, a guilty pleasure I sometimes listen to when I need a mood lift. I know every song, lyric for lyric, note for note.
Kermit is Jim's INNER CHILD...the most authentic, divine & LOVING part of most humans. ❤❤
“‘We’re not writing for children, we’re writing for the children in all of us.’”
This was always Henson's approach to the Muppets. A few months ago, I stumbled across a cache of UA-cam vids with some entire episodes of _The Jimmy Dean Show._ In the second episode of the first season, Dean had Rowlf on the show to promote National Dog Week. Rowlf was such a hit, he came back the next week, and never left. Rowlf was the first nationwide Muppet star, and I was one of his 7-year-old fans. Live variety shows were great, but no other host had a smart-mouthed, ad-libbing hound dog.
This man has true humility and self-awareness
The Rainbow Connection, is one of the greatest songs ever written, and Paul Williams is a musical genius.
Larry Lee Moniz Agreed
I so agree with you. It's my favourite.
Absolutely!
Yes. And the geniuses make it look easy. The song sounds simple. But it's not.
Amazing talent and a legacy of music that will help heal people for years.
"We're not writing for children. We're writing for the child in all of us"
I'm not crying. I'm making refractions in my eyes.
Maybe just a sad day for me. But it happens to the best of us.
I guess all we can hope is that today's tears cast tomorrows rainbows.
Sean Aguilar this was beautifully written
Sean, I am with you...a Profoundly Beautiful Song, and your share was so Eloquently written. Sending you Love ❤️ in hopes you are seeing those rainbows 🌈 Thank You 🙏
It's sad in a way for any one of us whom has true heart and feeling. We all miss those beautiful rare first time memories we had as children.
It means that you are always growing in compassion, understanding, depth and true heart.
Those are the memories u will eventually take with you from then, and now and eventually to the rainbow
@@jenniferrussell933
Same to you. We could all use some rainbows in times like these. Thank you. 🙂
@@saskiaisskra3240
It's so true. The older I get, I feel like my life is more a collection of memories rather than dreams. I cherish my memories but all are tinged with pain. There are so many things I've yet to do or experience, Idk why I shouldn't have dreams. Perhaps all dreams seem a hollow mist when you can't share them with the one you love.
I bawl like a baby whenever I hear those opening notes.
This song is so wistful, and it just touches my heart so!
The biggest travesty in the entire history of the Academy Awards is that "Rainbow Connection" did not win Best Original Song in 1979. The winner that year was an entirely forgettable song that disappeared from our culture instantaneously, while this is still one of the greatest movie songs of all. "Over the Rainbow," another of those songs about rainbows, and "When You Wish Upon a Star" are really the only other contenders.
So true. One of the most beautiful songs ever.
Robert Spretnak. Sadly must agree. While the other song had a powerful message in its movie, and it was done by some greats, it did not stand the test of time. Good posting, sir.
Our wedding dance was to the Willie Nelson version.
Meh, the bigger reward is the cultural reverberation in so many hearts and minds across so many generations
Now I gotta go look up the actual winner
Jim Henson was an introvert and was rather shy and self-deprecating in most of his interviews. But when he picked up Kermit, Rowlf, or another of his Muppets, the change was immediate. You're talking to the character and not Henson, because all his characters were projections of himself. I saw the Muppet Movie in the theatre in 1979 and never forgot this song.
The second time I watched the movie was in basic training in 1980. Great movie and a great song.
God bless you both
I was 5 years old when I saw it in the theater. I remember it like I saw it yesterday. When we watch it as a family, all 6 of my warrior children cry when Kernit sings that song. And I cry with them.
All REAL artists are like this... including ME.
I am Mini Manson.
I'm an entertainer! 🌟
THIS SONG has healed millions..and should be in the Music Hall of Fame along side the BEAUTIFUL souls who created its exsistance.
Two songs that move me to tears every time are Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz and the Rainbow Connection. As I am approaching the end of my time here, they have both become more meaningful, bringing hope to my heart and soul. I do not seek the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it is traveling in that beautiful light. Thank you!
6:07 the morning star line always gets me. Always!!!!! it’s such a turn. And the song is more beautiful for it
As much as I love hearing Karen Carpenter sing this beautiful song, Kermit will always have such a special place in my heart, reminding me of my childhood.
Respect to Karen Carpenter but Kermit blows her away on this one. One of the greatest songs ever written, and Kermit’s performance (not Jim’s, Kermit’s, as Paul says) is absolutely mesmerizing.
@@ejrosenthal I've read that Karen would agree with you. She had actually not wanted to record it. But Richard wanted to, to give a loving and respectful nod to Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Muppets, and Jim Henson. Karen loved them, too, and so they did it to honor Jim Henson and his Muppet family. Karen was a huge Disney, Mickey Mouse fan, too. But yeah, I've read in the Carpenters' history and notes, and quotes from Richard, that she was not keen on recording it, but did it anyway. Who could sing it better than Kermit? Nobody.
@@SayItAintSo4real That's interesting to learn, thanks for sharing it.
💚 yes Kermie
I sing rainbow connection to every child I ever held in my arms. This song calms a child immediately. The child could be screaming but if I sing "why are there some many songs about rainbows" the child calms down immediately. It's like magic! Thank you for writing such a sweet and truly magical song! It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
It is a lullaby, after all.
Deceptively, simple, but so profound. It went completely over my head for probably 25 years. And I am now discovering how wonderful it is.
@@sallymjmj750 Just yday I played for my 3yo grandson. He rarely sits still but we cuddled for 30 minutes and he began to sing along in many parts.
I think it was our closest moment so far. There will be many more moments in the upcoming weeks as the holidays come.
I'm gonna throw in Rubber Ducky in a few days....another great song from the Muppets. It hit the radio when I was in 9
grade. It actually charted at #16. I adore The Muppets
"Rubber Duckie" works, too.
A national treasure is right. The Rainbow Connection is one of those songs that nobody can ruin when they sing it. I have never heard a bad version. One of my all time favorite songs.
You are a living legend, Paul Williams!
I hope he gets the royalties from the song. It would be a shame if the big, bad, Disney Corporation gets all the money.
"More beauty in the questions than the answers." Love that. Love Paul Williams.
My wife and I got married to this song. It touched us deeply. I hope this message reaches Paul Williams.
This was our wedding waltz!
Who is that with John Denver? Is he the singer from Sha Na Na? Bowser?
What a great idea! I wish I had thought of it.
This is our wedding song as well! Except our doofy DJ couldn't "find" it so we had to settle for It Had to Be You, but in our hearts, this is THE song!
❤️❤️❤️
The Rainbow Connection always brings tears for me - tears of love, and hope. Thank God for creative genius.
Me too glad I'm not the only person one that cries when they hear this❤
I worked with Paul Williams back in 2005 and 2006 on a stage musical version of HAPPY DAYS. He is truly one if the kindest, most generous humans I've ever met. A true musical genius.
Paul William's description is so humble, so profound, but also a blessed creative soul. Wow what a writer.
Long after Jim Henson died, I forget why I was there, but even as a professional actor, I just happened to be in front of that glorious gate at the Jim Henson Workshop in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t help but stop and be in awe, to feel the magic. I’ve been around A-List, historic and unforgettable stars every day for work many years, but standing on the sidewalk in front of that gate was special.
The only person I can compare Jim Henson to is Steven Spielberg, best boss I ever had.
John Ohkuma Thiel, that was such a great comment to post!!! Thank you so much!!! I was just picturing you standing on the sidewalk in front of the gate that led to the Jim Henson's workshop!!! Wish I could go back in time and meet you there!!!
he died they year I graduated high school 1993 right?
@@pianotnt Jim passed away on the 16th May 1990.
Paul Williams music has been a gift to us all!
My 43-year-old daughter just said that this is "our song." We'd play the Muppet Movie tape on road trips when she was little, and this evokes so many wonderful memories. We still considering "our song."
I love this song and it ALWAYS makes me cry. Ever since I was a kid.
Glad to know I am not the only one
Lorraine Myers I get the same way too. Have you seen the UA-cam vid a newer one with Kermit singing it - search “ a special performance of Rainbow Connection” it’s so cute with him turning on and off the video
@@biatch1966 Thanks ! I'll look! 😊
ALWAYS!
I almost shed a tear listening a few minutes ago...and thats saying a lot! The power of *real* music.
This song bring me to tears almost everytime.
Me too..my sister loved Kermit(as a kid she wanted to marry him) and this song reminds me of her..she died in 1990 so this song holds a special place in my ❤
ALWAYS!
Always.... and i dont know why i cry...
Every time.
Same
This song is the first on my top song picks. I truly LOVE the Rainbow Connection, especially as sung by Kermit. It touches the heart and makes me teary eyed every time I hear it. RIP Jim Hensen. You were genius. And, of course, Paul Williams is in a category all his own.
Paul Williams is a national treasure. Thank you for all the joy, Paul!
“If frank has miss piggy there, and Jim has Kermit, there are five of you in the conversation”. I love this, and can sorta back it. I was lucky enough that one day at my work, the actor who played Cookie Monster came to our office and we got to meet him. And I swear, it took less than 10 seconds of conversation before I unintentionally found myself talking to the muppet instead of the human. I was in my early to mid 30s, but it’s like some childhood trigger of familiarity just clicked, and I couldn’t stop myself
I’m so glad Paul Williams has come out the other side of his substance abuse problems. He is a treasure. Welcome home!
I just learned this song at age 45 while teaching my boy guitar. I can’t stop humming it all day long and it is such a beautiful song!!
(Armchair guitarist picking out the surprisingly difficult melody): TRC may be simple enough for a frog, but musically it's quite sophisticated--unconventional, interesting intervals. Thanks to the creators.
Paul Williams seems like a really wonderful person with so much love for what he does.
I feel the connection to the music in my very soul. I still remember the very first time I heard The Rainbow Connection. It was like hearing a rainbow for the first time
“... this is for the child in each of us.”
Beautiful!! 🥰🤟🏼❤️
I remember seeing Paul Williams performing on every show on TV in the 70’s & 80’s. Always a treat to see him and hear his music. He won so many awards at that time.
OhYeah!
I've always thought that The Muppets were (no, ARE) so creative and so great to watch at any time. There's so much to gain from the stories for each of our lives. May they never disappear from the Earth.
I walked down the isle to this song for my husband's and my wedding. Our kids actually bought us an ornament of Kermit singing it and now our grandchildren listen to it. I have loved rainbows since I was a little girl. I've seen them on the day I got engaged, the day our daughter entered heaven, etc... I wrote a book titled The Raindrops on the Windshield Sounds like Popcorn. It talks about the rainbows in my life. I've come close to dying over 300x (no exaggeration and why I wrote the book to tell our children about grace through adversity). The song is about that
Thank you so much for sharing 💗🤗
One of the most, if not the most, beautiful songs written
My dad's favorite song. We played it as his funeral. When I hear it I know Dad is nearby. 💞 Thank you, Mr. Williams. 💖
Sang at my mom’s also.
Most people probably aren’t aware of how many hit songs Paul Williams wrote that were performed by other artists. But I really like the songs he wrote and performed himself.
This man is a genius. My mom had a vinyl record of his work in his own voice and instruments. I remember I had a little cheap record player with a built in speaker, but just good enough to listen. Magic. I always associate his music with my childhood.
I believe I have that same record. The white one, eh? Listened to it till the needle wore through. For all the genius of the many other artists that recorded his music, Paul was the master. His own versions are the essence.
I had his LP s too in the 70's...
I have that album. My daughter had a little Fisher Price plastic record player we put it on to hear it!
I grew up with that album.
I met Paul on a cruise when we went into town. I told him he was the greatest songwriter ever!! Had I known he wrote my most favorite song in the world... I would have probably been to afraid to say hello to him!!
I just love this song. The lyrics touch your soul and the music for it is perfect.
God bless Paul Williams
I have a personal connection to this song too.... One day, in the early '80s, I was working in my stained glass studio and listening to the radio....I was toying with the idea of actually starting a business making glass items and also giving stained glass lessons... But I needed a name for the business.... Guess what song came on the radio at exactly the same moment I was searching for a name.... YUP... The Rainbow Connection! Perfect name for a business that produced 'rainbows'....Thanks Paul and Kermit....
Henson, as an artist, understood that you have to have respect and trust in a fellow artist. Thank you Paul for your magic.
Yesterday was 12/21/20, the day of the great conjunction and winter solstice. Over a million people were meditating on peace. Today the rainbow connection popped into my head and listening to the words after so many years, it made more sense today.
This was our first dance as a married couple. We brought it with us, put our earbuds in, and danced to Kermit singing Rainbow connection, under the Eiffel Tower
❤
That is the loveliest thing. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve loved this song for almost as long as I’ve been alive. As a kid watching the Muppets I really wanted nothing more than to be Debbie Harry sitting in a robe backstage in a theatre with Kermit singing Rainbow Connection. Now the line ‘rainbows have nothing to hide’ is one of my touchstone quotations. Thank you for blessing the world with this song. I shall have it at my funeral (hopefully a long way away yet) as it is perfect.
I would still like tobe Debbie Harry... in any outfit hahaha
I love this song too. And I also want this at my funeral/memorial service
This song has a magical effect on my spirit every time i hear it! It is probably the purity of the music and the lyrics.
Wonderful interview and beautiful story about a truly special song. I really appreciate the humility of Paul Williams; I'm so glad to hear about his sobriety. I wish him God's continued blessings into the future.
I just had the urge to listen to the song and pulled up the video here on UA-cam. That led me to this video. There's so much love, faith, and talent intertwined with this song. THANK YOU Paul Williams, Jim Henson, and thank you Tennessean for this interview. You brought a tear to my eyes hearing this.
Paul Williams stole my heart in one of my favourite movies, Frog. I can’t tell you the number of times I showed that movie to students and I did that because of the number of lessons it taught about living and getting along with others and not being bothered about being different. It taught about success born of determination and so much more. Paul’s voice and music added so much to those lessons doing so through humour and sincerity.Maybe it was many years ago but there is no date for emotional experiences. Shelley Duvall must have known that this film would live in the hearts of many. Thank you Mr. Williams.
My son's kindergarten teacher, taught her class this song for a Spring concert, age 5 and that was 11 year's ago he used to sing this every morning for 2 month's, but it never got old :)
Paul seems like such a kind man...and what an American songwriting treasure❤
He and Jim must have really been close.
An incredibly beautiful song that stuck over time. May God get glory for these artists’ creativity on a song about rainbows - God’s amazing creativity and sign of His covenant to humans that He would not destroy the entire world again by flood after the judgment in Noah’s day where only 8 people believed in Him. Jesus the creator of rainbows and song. 🌈 🎵 🎶 ❤☝️🌎
One of my all-time favorite songs, and I've never heard anyone do it better than Kermit the Frog. It definitely should have won the Academy Award for the best song. The Academy almost always has had a bias against family-type movies, no matter how great the music.
I can never even remember which song won against it but it was something I remember being thoroughly unimpressed with from a movie I've still never seen...
@@princezzpuffypants6287 The song was "It Goes Like It Goes" from the movie "Norma Rae"
It also beat out "Through the Eyes of Love" from "Ice Castles" as well as a couple others I've never heard of.
Willy is another kind man who has wrote many songs and wears Dreamers beautifully.
@@criscoleman Wow. Even Through the Eyes of Love and Ice Castles are more worthy.
I'm a musician and don't have a clue about that winning song.
@@TawdryTempest yeah, I don't either
This song is everything! It never ceases to amaze me and make me cry, It did the very first time I heard it and every time thereafter.
One of those rare songs that gets better every time you hear it. Just listened to it 5 times on the trot by different artists and my heart is smiling, even though some renditions weren't that good. The song is so great it doesn't matter if the singer is dire.
Pure joy and hope set to music. X
As a songwriter, I love these stories... as a fan.. its so cool to see how real some of these folks are..
11:45 I’ve never even heard of Paul Williams this man just spat iconic wisdom the entire time
We have the plush Kermit that sings “the rainbow connection”, it belonged to our elder daughter and she passed it down to our newborn daughter. Now they both love it.
Pure magic. Accessing the Source, and then sharing it. Thank you!
I always thought "someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection...the lovers, the dreamers and me." meant all the divisions between the races will realize the different colors make a wonderful rainbow. That we are not just colors that we are all just lovers, and dreamers and the message Jim Hensen always stressed, you are an important part of this world just as you are. That's what the song meant to me. Hope for peace.
What a beautiful thought ❤
Paul Williams - An extraordinary songwriter. An even more extraordinary human being. Paul, your gift is a gift to all the world.
Pw was widely and openly disliked in the industry in the 70's and 80's. I'm unsure why.
That song is so engrained in my past and even now... What a great hit! Every station I knew played that!
Paul Williams! Such a massive talent! Thank you!
One of the last great songwriters.
Still one of my favorite songs. Paul Williams’ music is always amazing. ❤️
I'll never forget the first time I heard this song in the movie theater. It's one of my all-time favourite songs. 🌈☁️
The most simplistic song is the greatest song ever written That's God!!! This song makes me weep good tears!! We need it now!! What this country has been going through Wow its 2020 much needed for what this country has been through
I’m a 61 year old child, and you get me Bullzeye every time I listen to this piece of magical music 5*****
Thank You
What a beautiful interview!! Thank you for this. And I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the wonderful comments people have left. This song has touched to many people. It’s truly magical.
Absolutely love this song, cannot help but sing along every time I hear it and it gets stuck in my brain for weeks at a time. Beautiful, lovely tune and sentiment.❤❤❤❤❤ Paul Williams - THANK-YOU!!!
I heard the music in that movie when I was younger but didn’t really listen until I was older. Like it wasn’t until I was an adult that I’m Going To Go Back There Someday really hit me.
That song is amazing. Tears pour out every time.
I love The Rainbow Connection, but I'm Going to Go Back There Someday is the song that always drew me in.
Paul, a great song. An unforgettable melody. Hats off to Kenny Ascher too !
Paul’s music in Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is also fantastic. We watch that special every year around the Holidays.
9-19-23 Today.
Happy Birthday
Paul Williams!🎉❤
"Rainbow Connection" remains one of my all-time favorite songs!
Your words go to the soul.Thank You Paul.Your fan since 1970.😘❤
This is my all time favorite song. I still cry when I hear it. Paul Williams is a national treasure.
Rainbow 🌈 connection is one of my all time favorite songs! I think it embodies hope. Kermit speak🥰 another favorite was sung by Cantus. Henson was a genius and he collected amazing people around him. Thank you for sharing this story.
When I couldn’t see any of my children for years, for some reason, this song gave me positive energy to believe in hopes. Thank you ❤
I had to put my beloved shih tzu to sleep yesterday. It feels as if my heart is broken. Before she passed I told her to meet me at the Rainbow bridge and I will be looking for her. I am learning to play this song on piano now. Every time I play it I will think of her and smile and cry at the same time. Rest In Peace my precious Zozo.
Condolences. I also have a beloved, aging Shih-Tzu, and today felt oddly drawn to a YT video of TRC. I picked out its (surprisingly difficult) melody on my old guitar, my pal snoozing at my side. Priceless song.
This song always brings tears to my eyes as it reminds me of my children in their early, innocent days. Love Rainbow Connection and forever grateful for the genius who brought it to me.
Paul Williams is a musical genius.
Amazing songwriter, and a tremendous heart
I remember watching the Muppet movie in the movie theater when I was 10 years old and it was fun. I loved watching the Muppets TV series too. I enjoyed listening to Rainbow connection. I love Miss. Piggy and Kermit.
I sob every time I hear the song, especially seeing Kermit sitting n the swamp. Like millions of others in history, I was a creative kid who became an artist. I dream every day, and this song reminds me of how i started
me too I just finished crying I just love this song it just has so many memories with me ❤️
Paul Williams IS a treasure. Truly.
Very few people have had, or will have such a broad influence on culture.
His music is known and loved worldwide. Paul Williams is a champion for musicians and their art.
He stands against censorship.
His music and contributions to musicianship are immeasurable.
Squidly,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Beautiful song. Beautiful meaning. Grew up with this song, still touches my heart 34 years later
I have been listening to this song repeatedly today...... It gives me comfort while I grieve the loss of another loved one......
A wonderful song writer and and wonderful person. Paul Williams.
I won't last a day without you. Is another one of his greats.
Congratulations on being 23 years sober.
The Rainbow Connection is such a wonderful song and as impacted so many young lives as well as adults!
This song.....is the very essence of my childhood...thankyou. I'm not crying you're crying!!
The idea that if you have something creative to share and someone to believe in you really speaks to me right now. Thanks!
Kermit speak! PERFECTION!
This song makes me smile and tear up EVERY time I hear it and I don’t know why. It just moves me completely. ❤
A truly great talent - Mr. Paul Williams
He is simply one of the great philosophers of all time.
I really loved "Can You Picture That?" - all the music in the Muppet Movie was great!!!
I was 15 when it was released but I have such a connection to Paul Williams of my childhood. Even in grade school I knew who he was because he was behind the writing of like 70 percent of the hit music back then, and his comic timing is just so spot on. He had me rolling in smokey n the bandit. Again I will only listen to him singing this song. But much respect to Kermit.
These two guys are awesome.
To this day, I still have a love for Paul Williams and Brian De Palma's _Phantom of the Paradise_ rock opera, a guilty pleasure I sometimes listen to when I need a mood lift. I know every song, lyric for lyric, note for note.