Call For Fred Rogers To Be Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gains Momentum Ahead Of 94th Birthday On March 20

GRAMMY® Winning Producer Dennis Scott is profiled on News Channel 5 in Nashville & News Channel 3 in Memphis for his efforts

Tune-In: Dennis Scott & Actor David Newell set to appear on newest episode
of Nashville Insider, week of March 21

Newly released audio book “Mister Rogers – Now More Than Ever” wins AudioFile’s Prestigious Earphones Award

Audio + video sound byte clips from Tom Bergeron, David Newell & Sandi Patty available for radio & TV [click here]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 16, 2022) — Ahead of what would have been Fred Rogers 94th birthday on March 20, GRAMMY® and Emmy winning music producer Dennis Scott and Emmy® award winning American TV Personality Tom Bergeron (America’s Funniest Videos, Dancing with the Stars) have together called for Mister Rogers to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. By way of a Change.org petition which has now amassed more than 1,100 signatures to date, they are calling on Mister Rogers fans everywhere to sign the petition. 

Dennis Scott is leading the effort, and was recently profiled by News Channel 5 in Nashville, and News Channel 3 in Memphis for his work on preserving the musical legacy of Fred Rogers. He will also appear with Actor David Newell (aka Mister McFeely) on the newest episode of nationally syndicated TV show, Nashville Insider, which begins airing the week of March 21. 

“There is still plenty of interest in the life and work of Fred Rogers. Over the last few years the world has collectively agreed that we need more Fred Rogers,” said Scott. “This is due in part to the Won’t You Be My Neighbor? documentary, Tom Hanks’ A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood film, and even my own two tribute albums Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories (2019) and Songs From The Neighborhood – The Music of Mister Rogers (2005).” 

Tom Bergeron has also called for Fred Rogers to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, asking “If songs are meant to move you, comfort you, and enlighten you, then how has Fred Rogers not been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame already?”

David Newell also called for his former friend and fellow actor to be bestowed top songwriters honors. 

“Fred Rogers composed over 200 songs, not only for his television program but also for CD’s, record albums, and video – songs that are part of the soundtrack of our lives,” said Newell. “That’s why so many people believe that Mister Rogers belongs in The Songwriters Hall of Fame. If I know Fred Rogers, this honor would mean the world to him because it’s a recognition of his music.”

Multiple GRAMMY® & Dove award winning singer Sandi Patty also supports the call for Fred’s Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, saying “Because there was such an understated nature about Mister Rogers we forget that he was an incredible musician, piano player, and songwriter. He has written so many great songs and I want to be one of the many to say that he ought to be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. That’s something we can do for him. He’s done so much for us.”

“After producing two albums featuring Fred Rogers’ music I have developed a deep appreciation for his songwriting skills,” said Scott. “If you look closely at his tunes you can see what a lyrical craftsman he was. And his choice of chords are more complex than one might expect to hear in any “children’s” song. That’s the magic of Mister Rogers. He never talked down to kids – musically or otherwise. His songs have messages for all ages and his composing is as sophisticated as many of our great American writers. There’s no doubt in my mind that he belongs in The Songwriters Hall of Fame.” 

Mister Rogers – Now More Than Ever wins AudioFile’s Earphones Award
Scott’s new audio book Mister Rogers – Now More Than Ever, released by Hachette Book Group has won AudioFile’s Earphone Award. This audio documentary features interviews with celebrity guests like Tom Bergeron, Lee Greenwood, David Newell, Jim Brickman, Kellie Pickler and others. Mister Rogers – Now More Than Ever will touch you and help you believe, as Fred Rogers did, that all of us are special. It’ll be made available for download by Audible, Apple Books, Libro.fm, AudioBooks.com or ThankYouMisterRogers.com. 

Producer Dennis Scott’s recently relaunched 2019 album Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories, his second collection of Fred’s songs features recordings from music icons like Micky Dolenz, Sandi Patty, Vanessa Williams, Jim Brickman, Jon Secada, Lee Greenwood, Rita Wilson, Tom Bergeron and others. 

Scott’s video, Happy Birthday, Mister Rogers, has been seen by over 10,000 YouTube viewers. Tom Bergeron serves as host to a virtual celebration that includes stories about Fred Rogers told by people whose lives he touched.

About Dennis Scott:
Two-time GRAMMY® Award winning songwriter, music producer, and writer Dennis Scott has left no corner of the children’s music industry unexplored. His songs have been performed by such diverse artists as Faith Hill, Ray Charles, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, The Muppets, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood, Elmo, Charlie Daniels Band, Shari Lewis, Crystal Gayle, Roberta Flack, Ricky Skaggs, and many others. Dennis is also the recipient of two Emmys, a Parent’s Choice Award, and a Telly. You can hear his work on television, radio, audio books, home videos, and stage productions such as “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Sesame Street Live” and “The Magic School Bus.” Dennis began his entertainment career at the age of 7 as an actor on Broadway. As an adult, he toured with the New Christy Minstrels (playing upright bass and singing). His novelty tune “Captain Kirk’s Disco Trek” led to his first serious foray into children’s music and a Grammy for “Sesame Country.” He has had nonstop assignments since then. Dennis has served as Music Director for several children’s TV shows including the PBS series “Noddy” and, most recently, “BJ’s Teddy Bear Club” which airs on TBN and just earned him his second Emmy award. His album, Songs From The Neighborhood – The Music of Mister Rogers won a GRAMMY® Award for Best Musical Recording for Children in 2005. His latest produced album, Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories is available on CD, and wherever digital music is sold and streamed at orcd.co/ThankYouMisterRogers.

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