When you get older, you consider what matters. Both the character and the real life Mr. Rogers were one and the same, and filled with love. He made every child in front of him feel as if they had his full attention, and respect. He was tender, intentionally slow, and methodical, and always kind. And it wasn't mere feel good fluff—Fred dealt with the tough stuff of life, too, like death and divorce. He even bravely tackled racial issues with subversive simplicity, and would often model his message louder than he would speak it.
The project is fun, reflective, and somber, humorous and serious, romantic and playful. It is light. And heavy. The trilogy could stand alone as rap records in their own right, but the project is conceptual, and so in some way, every song ties into the influence of the man Fred Rogers, known to young children as Mr. Rogers. It's my record, and from my perspective, but it is inspired by the teaching and positive influence on the world provided by Fred.
Things are difficult in the world right now, and we seem so hopelessly divided. This project is my musical contribution to restore dignity, kindness, and hope to the cultural conversation, and to loudly proclaim that every human being has value and that you can be loved exactly how how you were made. Fred was a prophet (of sorts), and his kind, wise voice is needed today. I want to celebrate him and what he represents, and infuse that into this culture.
Dedication
I'd like to thank my dear friend R. Heath McClure, whose love for Fred Rogers is contagious. One day, over a pint of Guinness, he gifted me a copy of Tim Madigan's book, I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers, and re-ignited my love for Mr. Rogers. His love for Fred is unmatched, but I do hope that my efforts will honor Fred and delight Heath.
