Get reacquainted with one of your favorite musical neighbors from Middlebury, Vermont this week, by viewing our extended interview with François Clemmons, known to many as Officer Clemmons from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Clemmons talks about his initial resistance to wearing a police uniform on the children’s program, his close friendship with Fred Rogers, and his thoughts on the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The movie premieres on television this Saturday, February 9 at 8pm on Mountain Lake PBS and HBO.
“Spotlight” producer Paul Larson says he likens the interview to a visit with an old friend, as he’d previously interviewed Clemmons in 2004, when the singer was still an artist in residence at Middlebury College.
“One of the highlights of the day for me, besides visiting François, was seeing an original prop trolley from the show,” Larson said. “Fred Rogers had given it to him as a gift.”
BONUS INTERVIEWS:
Enjoy Paul Larson’s first interview with Clemmons, from the program “Art Express.”
Hear Paul discuss the new interview with Amanda Dagley on WNBZ-FM.
“Spotlight” is made possible, in part, by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park. www.pearsallfoundation.org. “Spotlight” is also supported by the chamber music organization Hill and Hollow Music. www.hillandhollowmusic.org.