This week, I’m extremely grateful to welcome Paul Williams to the program to dive into two of his classic soundtrack projects: Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas & The Muppet Movie, with the latter including my favorite song of all time: Rainbow Connection.

During the sit down, we talk about the stories behind the songs, the performances, the writing processes & working with Jim Henson. But that’s just scratching the surface…

We also discuss: his role as President of ASCAP; his work with Brian Henson on The Muppet Christmas Carol; working with his band on the Phantom of the Paradise soundtrack; the songs he wrote and recorded with Daft Punk & Portugal. The Man; seeing Metallica perform at Elton John & Bernie Taupin’s 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize event; My Morning Jacket’s cover of “Brothers / Our World” for the Muppets: The Green Album; his love of skydiving; working with both Willie Nelson & Jason Mraz on their respective covers of Rainbow Connection, and so much more!

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode, as well as watch the FULL MOVIE of Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas! 👇

Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas: The Full Movie!

The Muppet Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Rainbow Connection Scene from “The Muppet Movie”