Thank You, Mister Rogers- Music & Memories
BFD, 2019
9/10
Listen to Thank You, Mister Rogers- Music & Memories
While we’re all familiar with the legacy of Fred Rogers and his boundless compassion and positivity, I think many of us have forgotten that he was an incredible songwriter, too, often singing his own work on his legendary TV show. Here, 13 tunes sung by Rogers are reworked by different artists who retain the timeless spirit of the originals, while also putting their unique spin on Rogers’ vision.
The Cowsills start the album with the jangly and highly melodic retro-pop of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and Jaci Velasquez follows with the lively rhythm and dance friendly brass of “ You Can Never Go Down The Drain”, where plenty of Latin flavor is present.
It isn’t long, though, until we’re in ballad territory with Rita Wilson’s soaring and pretty “Sometimes People Are Good”, while “Perfectly Beautiful Day” is full of glorious strumming and a sunny disposition by Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.
In the middle, Tom Bergeron brings whistling to the jazzy “Some Things I Don’t Understand”, and Sandi Patty offers the album highlight with the vocally expressive and dreamy “Please Don’t Think It’s Funny”. Near the end, Lee Greenwood’s “When The Day Turns Into Night” is a warm, soft, country rocker with some charming brass, and the only tune not penned by Rogers, “Thank You For Being You”, exits the listen with a soulful delivery from The Ensemble.
An ideal listen for the entire family, each song here takes on its own personality and illustrates strong musicianship while paying homage to the wonderful, radiant human being that Fred Rogers was. It’s hard to think of a better way of preserving his memory than this collection of his life’s work, and in these difficult times it truly is a gift we could all benefit greatly from.
Travels well with: The Cowsills- Global; Lee Greenwood- Good Old Country