| Top Artists Pay Tribute to Fred Rogers with
‘Songs from the Neighborhood'
Star-Studded New CD Spotlights Rogers' Prodigious Songwriting Talent
 Memory Lane Syndication, Inc. is proud to announce the release of ‘ Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers,' a starry musical tribute to the amazing song- writing talents of Mister Fred Rogers . The producers are presently talking with one of the major shopping networks to launch a multimedia combination CD and DVD Collector's Edition of the release in September. A national retail release is slated for November.
 Donna Summer, Roberta Flack, Ricky Skaggs, Amy Grant and CeCe Winans are among the artists featured on an upcoming tribute album to public television legend Fred Rogers. Memory Lane Syndication will debut "Songs From the Neighborhood: The album will feature 12 songs written by the late host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," reinterpreted in a variety of genres. Such veteran recording artists as B.J. Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, Crystal Gayle, John Pizzarelli, Jon Secada and Maureen McGovern will offer their takes on the show's music, alongside newcomer Toni Rose. The entire roster comes together to sing album closer "Thank You for Being You," penned by producer Dennis Scott.
Flack and Secada each perform a version of the traditional show-opener "Won't You Be My Neighbor," while Thomas tackles "It's Such a Good Feeling."
The 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 artist list include s 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 values and character.
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?”
The TV launch of ‘ Songs from the Neighborhood' in September will feature a special Collector's Edition, including an audio CD, a DVD music video featuring each artist, and a 20 page full-color program book with full lyrics and artist information.
This special keepsake package with a 20 page foldout and the national retail release digi-pak edition both include the CD and "making of the the CD" DVD and will retail at $19 .95. Song lyrics and artist information will be available at www.songsfromtheneighborhood.com (a site which will launch in October.) Consumers may also order either version of the release at the website, or by calling 1-866-877-9408 commencing October.
Rogers died in 2003 at the age of 74. An ordained Presbyterian minister determined to offer children a nurturing alternative to mainstream television programming, Rogers began hosting his show in 1967. The last new episode of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" was filmed in 2001, making it the longest running program in PBS history.
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.
About the Artists
The artists on Songs from the Neighborhood remember Mister Rogers fondly and offer up fresh interpretations of his songwriting. These new versions by Grammy Award-winning producer Dennis Scott point to the depth of these beloved songs. All are Fred Rogers originals that were performed on "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." One new composition, "Thank You for Being You," was written by Dennis Scott and features the entire ensemble of guest artists in a heartfelt tribute to the man who means so much to both children and grownups everywhere.
1. Won't You Be My Neighbor / Jon Secada
2. It's You I Like / Amy Grant
3. It's Such a Good Feeling / B.J. Thomas
4. Then Your Heart Is Full of Love / CeCe Winans
5. What Do You Do? / John Pizzarelli
6. This Is Just the Day / Maureen McGovern
7. Sometimes Isn't Always / Bobby Caldwell
8. Did You Know? / Crystal Gayle
9. Just for Once / Toni Rose
10. Let's Think of Something To Do While We're Waiting / Ricky Skaggs
11. Are You Brave? / Donna Summer
12. Won't You Be My Neighbor (ballad version) Roberta Flack
13. Thank You for Being You / Ensemble
Authorized Distributor To Retail
Nostalgia Ventures, Inc.
PO BOX 231183
Encintas, CA 92023
Phone: 1-800-886-0551
Fax: 760-940-6103
dlevin@nostalgiaventures.com
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