Oldies lead singers, “American Idol” finalists, a former Miss America and even a prime-time reality-TV host are among those paying tribute to the music of Latrobe native Fred Rogers on a new record, “Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories.”
Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, “Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler, Vanessa Williams and “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron are just a few of the guests on the album, which will be released Oct. 25.
Williams said she’s honored to be part of the record.
“As a child you appreciated the songs, but as an adult you really appreciate his music,” Williams said. “The song I’m singing, ‘Many Ways to Say I Love You,’ is perfection.”
Songwriter and multiple Grammy nominee Jim Brickman will cover Rogers’ “This Is My Home.”
“One of the things about Mister Rogers that was most important to me was that, in some ways, I feel like I learned music from him,” Brickman said. “My best memories of Misters Rogers are music.”
The 13-track album also features the theme song for Rogers’ show, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” performed by the Cowsills.
For more, or to pre-order the album, see ThankYouMisterRogers.com.
