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ABOUT THE ALBUM, CD AND DVD
When we hear the name Fred Rogers, we think of a likable man wearing a sweater and sneakers who enlightened and entertained our children. "MISTER ROGERS" Neighborhood" continues to enchant millions of children daily, leading them into a world of both imagination and wonder. His lyrics are filled with positive messages that build character and reinforce positive family values.
The voices assembled for this album are among the most identiable in the music world. Together they have earned over 70 Grammy and Dove Awards.
BEHIND THE SCENES
THE MAKING OF SONGS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD
By Dennis Scott (Producer)
The story behind the Grammy-winning album “Songs From the Neighborhood – the Music of Mister Rogers” began in my kitchen. While making lunch, I turned on the TV and while flipping through the channels I saw the familiar face of America’s favorite neighbor – Mister Rogers. There he was in his iconic sweater singing a catchy song that I had never heard before. I wondered if, in fact, he was the composer. I soon learned that Fred, who had passed away the year before, was actually an accomplished pianist as well as a gifted songwriter. He wrote over two hundred of the songs that he performed on his daily PBS show, which has been on the air for over fifty years. When I discovered that no pop artist had ever recorded Fred’s music, I got the idea to record a new and contemporary album that would feature recognizable artists performing new arrangements of his songs. It had to be done in a manner that would both honor Fred’s music and appeal to his fans but, either way, I knew that this was a recording that had to be made.
MAUREEN MCGOVERN AND DENNIS SCOTT
JON SECADA AND DENNIS SCOTT
RICKY SKAGGS AND DENNIS SCOTT
Because I had already produced a Sesame Street album with guest artists and The Muppets, I felt ready for the task ahead. Coordinating multiple artists would be a major undertaking for the tribute I had in mind and I wanted a minimum of ten well-known vocalists to help me reimagine Fred Rogers’ music. So the process of contacting managers, musicians, unions, recording studios, record labels, and lawyers began.
The first step was to get the blessing and approval of Family Communications Inc., the company Fred had created to produce his shows and continue his work. I needed to convince them that I would take good care of Fred’s songs and produce an album that they would be proud of. After several months of hope and perseverance, the acting president of FCI gave his okay for the album to be made. I was fortunate to meet and work with the devoted members of Fred’s team who helped bring me up to speed on all things Mister Rogers. We agreed that it would be a kid-friendly album that would also appeal to adults that grew up on – or just appreciated Mister Rogers.
BOBBY CALDWELL AND JOHN PIZZARELLI
JOHN PIZZARELLI AND DENNIS SCOTT
BOBBY CALDWELL AND DENNIS SCOTT
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The Music of MISTER ROGERS
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