A singing psychiatrist for children!
Through his songs, Fred Rogers translated the concepts of child development into musical messages in a language that children could understand. Some songs celebrate good feelings. Some are calming. Others are for times when children are struggling with a particular issue like jealousy or persistence or being apart from a loved one.
“All these songs are really songs about how we feel about ourselves. How children feel about themselves is what I care about most. If we can help our children feel accepted and valued when they are small, they’ll have a better chance of growing into adults who can feel good about who they are, too.” —- Fred Rogers
Listen to more favorite songs from the program here:
Everything on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is done out of a concern for children’s feelings … And because I am a person who sometimes finds it easier to say important things through songs – that’s what I sing about, too.
Johnny Costa, a noted jazz musician, served as the Musical Director on the Neighborhood for more than 25 years. The music was played live in the studio – almost like a conversation between Fred and Johnny. They shared a common understanding that “if it’s for the children, it has to be the best we can give.”
For many, the most exciting musical moments on the Neighborhood were the operas – original, whimsical, elaborate (at least for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood standards) make-believe musical stories about childhood themes. Over the years, sixteen operas and plays were produced.
It seems to me that music has always been at the root of who I am and what I do.