Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premiered on television more than five decades ago. It’s impossible to know how many children’s (and adults’) lives were impacted by the show’s positive and meaningful messages over the years.
Its staying power has never lapsed. Oscar- and Grammy®-winning director Morgan Neville’s 2018 documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, reawakened our love for Fred Rogers, and introduced a new generation to him. With the upcoming November release of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers), the beloved Mister Rogers and his neighborhood will once again be front and center in the hearts, minds, and ears of everyone.
In addition to Omnivore Recordings’ October 4th CD and digital release of It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers and Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz, four classic collections of Mister Rogers’ magic are returning digitally on November 8: 1992’s You’re Growing and Bedtime, You Are Special, and 1997’s Coming and Going. The original albums command high prices on the collector’s market. The four feature a combined 60 songs from the beloved broadcaster backed by long-time collaborator and pianist Johnny Costa, Carl McViker on bass, and percussionist Bobby Rawsthorne.
Omnivore will also offer an exclusive vinyl edition of It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers, available November 22nd exclusively through Barnes & Noble. The collection of 21 songs — among them classics like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” “You Are Special,” and the title track — also features five previously unissued tracks including the show’s original closer, “Tomorrow.” The packaging contains photos, an introductory note from Neville, and an essay from Pittsburgh television critic (and long-time USA Today contributor) Robert Bianco. This special pressing for Barnes & Noble is on translucent Mister Rogers Red Cardigan vinyl!
Today Glide is delighted to premiere one of the bonus tracks on the special release of It’s Such a Good Feeling. “What Would You Like To Do Today” features Mister Rogers’ classic and warm sense of whimsy. With loping and playful piano, Rogers asks the question of what you might do with a good friend. In his heartwarming cadence and vocal tone, Rogers sing-brainstorms all the fun things that may happen when friends get together and get to enjoy one another’s company while partaking in spontaneous adventures. Underlying the lyrics and vocals is the jazz sensibility that always elevated Mister Rogers’ music from standard kids music to more sophisticated compositions.
LISTEN:
Photo credit: courtesy of The Fred Rogers Company
