Streisand Releases Lost Kermit "Connection"!

Barbra Streisand has been digging through her archives and found a lost "connection" for us Muppet fans.

It turns out Streisand recorded a duet rendition of “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit originally intended for her album Wet.

Since it was recorded in 1979, we're fairly certain that Streisand recorded this version with the ordinal Kermit himself, Jim Henson. 

The song will be one of many unreleased tracks on the upcoming album Release Me 2.

Along with its digital versions, the CD version will include a 32-page booklet featuring liner notes as well as a vinyl version.

Release Me 2 will be released Aug. 6.

Rare Muppet Clips Volume 11!

We're back with another batch of rare Muppet performances. 

Again, we do not own these clips, nor do we make any guarantees to how long they'll be available, so watch them while you can!

Kermit and Miss Piggy on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1979):

Sesame Place Commercial (1988):

The Muppets on Des O'Connor Entertains (1976):

Des O'Connor, was a UK TV personality, who recorded his talk show at the same studio as The Muppet Show. Des recently passed at the age of 88.

Originally on February 27, 1976. The Muppets appear in the opener to promote the premiere of The Muppet Show and features many Muppets performed by some other then their regular performer. Take a look...

That's John Lovelady as Conrad Waldorf - yes, Conrad was going to be his first name -  Richard Hunt as George The Janitor, and Dave Goelz as Wally, who was never seen again. 

View-Master Interactive Vision: "Muppet Madness" VCR Video (1988):

Next up is something rare even for this series, a video that's brand new!

Kohl’s Commercial "Give With All Your Heart" (2020):

Yes, that's Willie Nelson's version of "The Rainbow Connection." It's good to see the Muppets still used in commercials even if no Muppets actually appear. 

If you like these be sure to check out parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

If you find a rare Muppet clip and would like us to share it, please send us a link!

Throwback Thursday: Hallmark Wall Plaques (1979)

Earlier this week we showcased the new Hallmark Muppet wall plaques. However, these weren't the first Muppet wall plaques released by Hallmark. From 1978 to 1981 
Hallmark released a series of large and small wall plaques.

These were all from 1979. 

Throwback Thursday: 1978-1979 Avalon Catalog!

We have a very special Throwback Thursday today as we look through the 1978 - 1979 Avalon catalog!

In 1978, Avon was riding the successful wave of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show with all manner of craft toys featuring the Muppets. This catalog was given to toy dealers and stores to show off their upcoming products and hasn't been seen by the general public until now!

Keep a look out for other 1970's favorites like Ziggy, Raggedy Anne and Andy and The Amazing Spider Man too!

Be sure to click on the pictures to get a closer look!

Since this was not intended for the general public, the catalog also showcases various retail displays stores could use to entice people to buy the products.

Anyone remember Sand Art? Ah, the 1970's...

Thanks for leafing through the catalog, be sure to "dog ear" the pages that have want you want and get your orders in soon! 

Throwback Thursday: The Muppet Movie Poster Art

Monday marked the official 35th anniversary of The Muppet Movie. In 1979, Avalon released this poster art set in as one of the many tie-ins for the film.

The set included 6 felt tip markers and two posters to color. The "Magic Store, finale and a version of the original theatrical poster: