The man behind the music during "Kermencement address"

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Do you remember who delivered the commencement address at your graduation? Students at the University of Maryland will never forget Kermit the Frog's "Kermencement Address." Not only was there a Rainbow Connection, but an Oklahoma connection as well.

"You are all here to listen to a frog in a very tiny cap and gown, give a commencement speech," said Kermit the Frog.

Mr. Green himself delivered the "Kermencement Address" to University of Maryland graduates the same year The Muppets celebrate 70 years and the dreamer who started it all at the university, Jim Henson.

"Jim believed that everyone had a place. Jim thought of that and he made us believe it," said Kermit.

Then, the iconic frog led the crowd in singing "Rainbow Connection."

The man behind the music played during the ceremony came from Rise and Shine's Lucas Ross's banjo.

If you've seen the show, or his office at the American Banjo Museum, it's clear who he's looked up to since he was just a tadpole. He often dresses in Kermit swag from head to toe.

For several years, Ross has been Kermit's "Official Banjo Advisor."

"I'm like a roadie, but for a frog, it's probably more like a 'toadie,'" said Ross.

Since then, he's been following the magic and music. He's hopped on every opportunity.

"The first time I actually talked to Kermit in person, he was introducing me to Willie Nelson," said Ross. "I guess my price must be good. Low."

Ross has several connections, if you will, to the song.

The music played at the ceremony was produced by his late father-in-law, Bob Lashley. He was an Oklahoma Icon who often performed at KFOR.

"I'm sitting with my kids and some of Bob's family and, you know, it's neat because he produced that and he was really proud of it," said Ross.

That's what the song is all about. Making connections amid so much division.

"No matter who you think you are, there is a piece of you that really wants that humanity and that connection to to work together and for there to be love," said Ross. "Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me."