I was first invited back in early 2018 to create an arrangement of Won't You Be My Neighbor by WQED, the PBS affiliate that Mister Rogers filmed his show out of. At that time they were doing a video series called "Sweater Sessions" in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Unfortunately the communication fell off while I was on the road launching and releasing my last album, Bigger Than Your Box. It was a crazy season. Still I knew I wanted to release the song and the week of the Tom Hanks' movie release of “A Beautiful Day” felt right.
Both the video and audio feature all Pittsburgh musicians, families, videographers, and locations in the North Side of Pittsburgh. Every part of this project has personal sentimental value: filming in and around my stomping grounds and recording the song with friends back home. Most of all, I was so happy to finally be doing a project with children, something that has been a dream of mine for years! Most of the kids involved are the children and grandchildren of long time friends and fans. That was especially meaningful!
on Mr. Rogers...
I think somehow and in some way, everyone feels connected to Mister Rogers. His way of thinking and being were counter-culture and filtered through a worldview that pre-supposed that everyone deserved/deserves to be seen. Truly seen. I believe his gift of presence has made ripple effects that will last into eternity.
media
NPR’s Morning Edition: Tom Hanks Interview This rendition of the song was used at the end of Morning Edition’s interview with Tom Hanks [listen]
Welcome to the Neighborhood Podcast Interview I talk w/ Rick Lee James about my memories of Mr. Rogers and the making of the project
