Francois Clemmons sings the praises of Mister Rogers in documentary, and in footage exclusive to Mountain Lake PBS.
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.
By John Beale/Courtesy of Focus Features.
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 documentary airs on Mountain Lake PBS this Monday, August 31 at 8pm, a presentation of Independent Lens.
Spotlight producer Paul Larson says he likens his extended 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 CONTENT:
Enjoy Paul Larson’s first interview with Clemmons, from the program Art Express. Hear Clemmons sing “There are many Ways (To Say I Love You).
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. Spotlight is also supported by Hill & Hollow Music.
