Kenneth Lee "Kenny" Ascher (born October 26, 1944 in Washington, D.C.) is an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger who is active in jazz, rock, classical, and musical theater genres — in live venues, recording studios, and cinema production. He is widely known for co-writing, with Paul Williams, Rainbow Connection — music from The Muppet Movie. Both Williams and Ascher received Oscar nominations for the 1979 Academy Awards for Best Original Song ("Rainbow Connection") and Best Original Score (The Muppet Movie Soundtrack). The song was also nominated for the Golden Globes for "Best Original Song" that same year.
Documentary lyrics: "Loneliness" , "You And Me Against The World" / music: "Loneliness" , "You And Me Against The World"
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
2010-2011
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
2010-2011
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
Dancing with the Stars
2009
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Saturday Night Live
TV Series lyrics - 1 episode, 2009 music - 1 episode, 2009
The Office
2006
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The Break-Up
2006
writer: "Rainbow Connection" - as Kenneth Ascher
Chicago Hope
1997
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Mystery Science Theater 3000
1988-1992
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
1990
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Emu's Wide World
1987
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years
1986
TV Movie lyrics: "The Rainbow Connection" / music: "The Rainbow Connection"
Close Harmony
1981
Documentary short lyrics: "The Rainbow Connection" / music: "The Rainbow Connection"
The 52nd Annual Academy Awards
1980
TV Special writer: "The Rainbow Connection"
The Muppet Show
1978-1980
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
The Muppet Movie
1979
lyrics: "Rainbow Connection", "Movin' Right Along", "Can You Picture That", "Never Before, Never Again", "I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along", "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday", "Finale: The Magic Store" / music: "Rainbow Connection", "Movin' Right Along", "Can You Picture That", "Never Before, Never Again", "I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along", "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday", "Finale: The Magic Store"
The Sonny and Cher Show
1977
TV Series writer - 1 episode
A Star Is Born
1976
lyrics: "WATCH CLOSELY NOW", "SPANISH LIES", "HELLACIOUS ACRES", "WOMAN IN THE MOON", "WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU" / music: "WATCH CLOSELY NOW", "SPANISH LIES", "HELLACIOUS ACRES", "WOMAN IN THE MOON", "WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU"
The Ernie Sigley Show
1974-1975
TV Series writer - 4 episodes
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Muppet Movie
1979
songs: music and lyrics by
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Jane Monheit: Live at the Rainbow Room
2003
Video documentary
Himself - Piano
The Muppets Go Hollywood
1979
TV Special
Himself
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1977
Golden Globe
Golden Globes, USA
Best Original Score - Motion Picture
A Star Is Born (1976)
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2012
OFTA Film Award
Online Film & Television Association
Best Music, Adapted Song
The Muppets (2011)
1980
Oscar
Academy Awards, USA
Best Music, Original Song
The Muppet Movie (1979)
1980
Oscar
Academy Awards, USA
Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score
The Muppet Movie (1979)
1980
Golden Globe
Golden Globes, USA
Best Original Song - Motion Picture
The Muppet Movie (1979)
1980
Grammy
Grammy Awards
Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special
Apocalypse Now (1979)
1978
Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
BAFTA Awards
A Star Is Born (1976)
1978
Grammy
Grammy Awards
Best Album of Original Score written for a Motion Picture or Television Special
$100,000
