Top Grammy Winning Artists Pay Tribute to Fred Rogers with ‘Songs from the Neighborhood’
Star-Studded New CD Spotlights Rogers’ Prodigious Songwriting Talent; Memory Lane Syndication Plans Exclusive Release of Multimedia Collector’s Edition in September; National Retail Release Slated for November. Partial Proceeds to Benefit the Fred Rogers Fund
(PRWEB) August 11, 2005 -- 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. A multimedia combination CD and DVD Collector’s Edition will premiere in
September on one of the home shopping channels, and a national retail release is
slated for November.
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.
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 artists include 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 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 keepsake package will sell for $17.98. The national retail
release will feature a digi-pak edition including a “dual disc” with the CD and
DVD back to back on one disc and will be available at retail in November for
$14.95. Both editions will be available at www.songsfromtheneighborhood.com (a site which will launch in
October) or by calling 1- 866-877-9408.
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 / BJ 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
About Memory Lane
Syndication
Memory Lane Syndication, Inc. is an operating division of
MediaNet Group Technologies, based in Margate, Florida. It also owns the 103
color episodes of Howdy Doody from the ‘70’s. MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc.
MediaNet (OTCBB:MEDG) encompasses an integrated group of operating divisions
that revolve around the many aspects of media and technology including software,
web portal programs, branded rewards programs, television and video production
and intellectual properties. BSP, as an operating division of MediaNet, builds
private branded loyalty/reward programs for web merchants, retail merchants,
organizations and companies. The BSP program is branded for each participating
company and organization utilizing BSP’s proprietary Web applications. www.medianetgroup.com www.memorylanesyndication.com
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Featured artists from ‘Songs from the Neighborhood’ are available for interviews
upon request. Executive in Charge Joseph Porrello and songwriter/producer Dennis
Scott are also available for interviews. Please contact Beth Blenz-Clucas at
(503) 293-9498.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb271052.htm