"That made me aware it was a talent I should use for the glory of God. I was a singing boy. When I was 12, I was the choir director.

"I had a gift, and they knew it, and they encouraged me. The deacons and mothers of the church saw me as a real prize. I'm really grateful for their guidance. They anointed me to what I'm doing today."

A NEW NEIGHBOR

It was during his time as a tenor solo at the Third Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh that Clemmons met Fred Rogers in 1968.

"He was a member of the church and heard me sing and became a fan. He come up to me and congratulated me and told how deeply touched he had been."

Soon after, he made his first appearances on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." He was a young 23, gifted and black, an unusual constellation for children's programming in the pre-diversity days of "The Electric Company" and "Sesame Street."

"At this particular time on Howdy Dowdy' and Captain Kangaroo,' I don't remember those shows having black actors and actresses," Clemmons said. "It was the first time for a regular black character that black children could identify with."

Clemmons felt a deep responsibility to do well.

"This mantle fell on my shoulders. I felt a deep calling. I had a strong, positive relationship with Fred. It was important for his program to have a black character and the experiences of Hispanics and Asians, so a child would know more than their white neighbors. We had conversations about it."

Rogers was dedicated to keeping him on the show.

"I was flattered," Clemmons said. "I felt deeply honored. He felt I could fill those shoes. I worked very hard. I knew it was no frivolous calling.

"I felt a tremendous responsibility to live and be responsive to Fred's faith in me."

rcaudell@pressrepublican.com