Steve Martin is best known as a comedian and actor but he’s also an accomplished banjo player who’s played with the likes of Earl Scruggs and even Kermit the Frog. While teamed up with everyone’s favorite green muppet, Steve Martin fired off a memorable rendition of “Dueling Banjos”.
It’s not easy to find a banjo player in Hollywood’s modern elite class. But, that is their loss.
Steve Martin understands what a joyful instrument the banjo is. The lively tunes created on a banjo can immediately lift our spirits.
Steve Martin: The Banjo Is A “Happy Instrument”
“The banjo is such a happy instrument–you can’t play a sad song on the banjo – it always comes out so cheerful,” Martin once said.
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Of course, Muppet fans will remember that Kermit the Frog played the banjo in a swap for the 1970s hit “Rainbow Connection” so this is not his banjo debut. Paired up with Martin makes this “Dueling Banjos” performance extra fun and special.
This unlikely duo have a friendly competition that ends with each of them ribbing each other a bit about playing off tune.
And of course, this banjo showdown is appropriately located in a swamp which gives Kermit a bit of an edge.
This is certainly some welcome entertainment for a rainy day or whenever we’re feeling blue!
Steve Martin Joins Kermit The Frog On “The Muppet Show”
This wasn’t Kermit the Frog and Steve Martin’s stage debut together. Over forty years ago, they were together in another memorable performance.
“The Muppet Show” was must-see TV for a lot of American families in the 1970s. Top stars would guest host with Kermit making it a fun show for kids and their parents to watch together.
In 1977, Steve Martin joined Kermit to entertain families. He was well known from Saturday Night Live so this was a treat for parents too.
Martin brought his banjo along with him back then to perform “Dueling Banjos” with the Muppet Jug Band.
Kermit actually tried to cancel the show, but the SNL cast member tricked Kermit into allowing them to perform this beloved song as only the Muppets can!
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Even though Kermit attempted to stop if from happening, he even enjoyed listening to it. The video below is a classic moment from “The Muppet Show”!
Steve Martin is right. The banjo is definitely a happy instrument!
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