Steve Martin & Kermit The Frog Recreate ‘Dueling Banjos’ From ‘Deliverance’
Funny Or Die / YouTube
Award-winning actor Steve Martin once sat on a log with Kermit the Frog and performed “Dueling Banjos.”
The ‘Deliverance’ Of A Banjo Classic
As one of the primary instruments used in bluegrass, the banjo has close ties to country music. Country songs frequently feature the banjo, and generations have loved the instrument’s twangy sound.
The love affair with the banjo has been going on for years but really fired up following the release of the 1972 film Deliverance. That film featured a musical duel between two characters, appropriately titled “Dueling Banjos.”
RELATED: Musicians Battle It Out In Deliverance’s “Dueling Banjos” Scene
Following the film’s release, the tune sat at the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks. It was also a country hit and peaked at fifth on the Hot Country Singles chart.
A Duel You Never Anticipated
Although Deliverance helped introduce “Dueling Banjos” to a large audience, the little ditty existed since 1955. But after Deliverance debuted, everyone seemed to be learning how to play it.
We’ve seen some pretty cool battles between talented banjo players on “Dueling Banjos” before, but never one like we’re about to show you right now.
This particular “Dueling Banjos” face-off stars actor Steve Martin and beloved Muppet, Kermit the Frog.
Who Knew A Frog Could Play The Banjo?
Sitting on a log in the middle of a swamp, Steve started off playing first. He’s been playing the banjo since he was a child, so he seemed confident with how he did. Well, until he heard Kermit play.
The two engaged in the signature showdown, with Steve playing a little snippet and Kermit mimicking it with a slight twist. But the best part came at the end when the two both started tearing away on their banjos at the same time.
RELATED: Willie Nelson and Kermit The Frog Duet “Rainbow Connection” For The First Time
No matter how hard he tried, Steve just couldn’t compete with Kermit’s banjo pickin’ skills. Tune in below to watch the battle unfold!
