Jazz Singer Swings The Music Of Mr. Rogers

Keri Johnsrud
Chicago Jazz Vocalist Keri Johnson's new album is Beyond The Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers WBEZ/Jason Marck
Keri Johnsrud
Chicago Jazz Vocalist Keri Johnson's new album is Beyond The Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers WBEZ/Jason Marck

Jazz Singer Swings The Music Of Mr. Rogers

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Fred Rogers, better known as Mr. Rogers for nearly half a century, made music a central part of his PBS program Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He wrote dozens upon dozens of songs for the show, with each one showcasing an important lesson or message for his young viewers to better understand the world around them, adults, and themselves. Chicago vocalist Keri Johnsrud has remade 11 of these songs for her latest album Beyond The Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers. Johnsrud joined us to talk about the project, growing up with the music of Mr. Rogers, and why the lessons inside each song are important for people of all ages.