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| Fred Rogers Musical Tribute "Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers, " a starry musical tribute to the amazing song- writing talents of Mister Fred Rogers, will be on retail stores shelves by mid-November. The release, which features an audio CD and “making of” music DVD featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with all of the artists, will be available wherever music is sold. A portion of proceeds from the sale of Songs from the Neighborhood will be donated to the non-profit Fred Rogers Fund, at Family Communications, Inc. When Joanne Rogers, Fred's widow, heard the CD she was thrilled: "It was such a wonderful experience to hear this recording. I loved every single song.” Twelve top artists - who together have earned more than 70 Grammy and Dove Awards – translated their love for Mister Rogers by recording all-new arrangements of Mister Rogers’ songs. The artists include Amy Grant, BJ Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, CeCe Winans, Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, John Pizzarelli, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern, Ricky Skaggs, Roberta Flack, and introducing, Toni Rose. Dennis Scott, a Grammy Award recipient, produced the album with styles ranging from pop rock to jazz and bluegrass. The entire ensemble joins together for the last track, “Thank You for Being You, ” an original song by Dennis Scott. “The making of” DVD will also be included as a bonus, featuring artists performing their song and candid interviews and stories about their fondest memories of Mister Rogers. "Songs from the Neighborhood" offers families a soundtrack for living – these are songs to share in the car, at home, and during those quiet snuggle-up moments that parents, grandparents and children cherish. Adults will enjoy and appreciate the new musical arrangements, and the lyrics will help reinforce a child’s self-esteem. Two years after his passing, Fred Rogers remains an American icon. In fact, the third most requested item by visitors at the Smithsonian Institution is Mister Rogers’ red sweater, hand-knitted by his mom. His show is still the longest-running program on PBS television. Children everywhere continue to smile when they hear Fred sing, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” "Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers" is on the Grammy Award balloting this fall in two categories: Album of the Year and Best Musical Album for Children. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |