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'It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' for Ricky Skaggs
Artist wins Grammy Award for His Contribution to
Mister Rogers Tribute Album
Nashville, Tenn. — Ricky Skaggs received his 11th career Grammy Award yesterday afternoon, February 8, for his contribution to Songs From the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers. The tribute project, produced by Dennis Scott, features songs written by Fred Rogers for his beloved children's show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." It received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children.
Skaggs' cover of Rogers' song "Let's Think of Something to Do While We're Waiting" was among 12 new arrangements of Rogers' songs recorded by artists including Amy Grant, BJ Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, CeCe Winans, Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, John Pizzarelli, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern, Roberta Flack, and newcomer Toni Rose. The final song, "Thank You for Being You," was written by Scott and features the entire ensemble.
"Doing the Mister Rogers album was such a labor of love," Skaggs explains. "Mister Rogers was in my home daily because of my kids. As a matter of fact, my 21-year-old daughter Molly helped me pick the song 'Lets Think Of Something To Do' for this project, so it makes it all the more special."
This is the first time Rogers has been honored for his songwriting genius.Scott produced the album with styles ranging from pop rock to jazz and bluegrass.
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"I'm so glad that Fred's music is getting the recognition it deserves, and that all of the effort that went into creating this tribute has been so rewarded," says Scott. "Even if we hadn't been honored, it's enough for me to know that the Rogers family and his non-profit organization are so supportive."
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.
Two years after his passing, Fred Rogers remains an American icon. His pioneering television show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," is still broadcast to millions of homes each day on most PBS-TV affiliates and is the longest-running program on PBS television. The third most requested item by visitors at the Smithsonian Institution is Mister Rogers' red sweater, hand-knitted by his mom.
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