Officer Clemmons

A Memoir

De: Dr. François S. Clemmons

Narrado por: Dr. François S. Clemmons

Officer Clemmons: A Memoir details the incredible life story of François Clemmons, beginning with his early years in Alabama and Ohio, marked by family trauma and loss, through his studies as a music major at Oberlin College, where Clemmons began to investigate and embrace his homosexuality, to a chance encounter with Fred Rogers which changed the whole course of both men's lives, leading to a deep, spiritual friendship and mentorship spanning nearly forty years.

When he earned the role as "Officer Clemmons" on the award-winning television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Clemmons made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children's program. A new, wide world opened for François - but one which also required him to make painful personal choices, and sacrifices.

From New York to the Soviet Union, Berlin to California, Clemmons has performed for audiences around the world, and remains a beloved figure. Evocative and intimate, and buoyed by its author's own vivacious, inimitable energy, Officer Clemmons chronicles a historical and enlightening life and career of a man who has brought joy to millions of adults and children, across generations and borders.

©2020 François S. Clemmons (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"It's important to acknowledge heroes who build bridges between all of us. Officer Clemmons offers readers the unique opportunity to understand how one man’s life can have an unexpected, positive impact on millions of people. By sharing his lived truth, his artistic journey, and his friendship with Fred Rogers, Dr. Clemmons has written a memoir from a place of love and faith, in both God and in the power of music, as a gift to the world." --Common, Grammy Award-, Academy Award-, and Golden Globe-winning musician, actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Let Love Have the Last Word

"Clemmons, who played Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, tells of his life as a gay African-American in the postwar era, in this uplifting memoir.... Clemmons's thoroughly delightful, inspiring story will speak particularly to artists in marginalized communities." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The extraordinary story of one of Mister Rogers' most groundbreaking and endearing 'neighbors,' Officer Clemmons.... A dear friend of Rogers for three decades, Clemmons offers a firsthand account of his work on Rogers' show, a story intertwined with the author's remarkable career as an operatic singer, actor, playwright, and choir director.... A heartwarming story that explores the power of friendship as well as race, sexuality, talent, and identity." --Kirkus Reviews

"Clemmons's voice is serene and unwavering as he paints a vivid picture of his difficult upbringing, which was marked by violence, abuse, discrimination, and confusion about his sexuality.… This expertly narrated audiobook leaves nothing to be desired as Clemmons gives listeners a glimpse of the life of the groundbreaking Officer Clemmons." —AudioFile Magazine

"Narrating with a colorful cadence, Clemmons shares deeply affecting reflections on life as a Black, gay, ordained person of the theater. Listeners hear the pain of his abusive family life, the tender thrill of first relationships in the closeted '60s, and the outrage of discrimination during the dawn of the civil rights movement." —Booklist

Fascinating story of one of Mr Rogers " neighbors"

Dr Clemmons has quite a life story of struggle, hardship, discrimination, talent, friendship, music, travel, and triumph. One of his most enduring friendships was with Fred Rogers...who was the same person many of us grew up watching on TV. Told with enthusiasm by the author along with some singing in his gorgeous tenor voice. Highly recommended!

Embracing tolerance

This autobiography is one of the most moving and important books I have ever read. Hearing Clemmons read it helps you imagine the richness of his unique personality.

A Memoir of Survival

I purchased this audiobook because of Dr. Clemmons connection to Fred Rogers's television show. Listening to the memoir makes clear there is a lot more to his eventful life. Dr. Clemmons has survived many challenges, including discrimination and abuse as a child. Through it all, Dr. Clemmons
demonstrates through both the text and his enthusiastic narration an exuberance and optimism about life. Bottom line: survive and thrive!

A must read, absolutely beautiful!

If you’re looking for a book about Mister Rogers, you won’t find it here. What you will find is a story of overcoming challenges in sexuality, racism, forgiveness, and ultimately kindness. I felt amazed throughout this book at the incredible kindness and acceptance that Francois showed to everyone in his life, regardless of his own inner feelings. I am so thankful to have been able to read/listen about his life. I was moved to tears several times, and I thoroughly enjoyed your dictation! Thank you for writing this book.

Tremendous Tale by a Talented Tenor

Dr. François Clemmons’ memoir is a masterpiece and sounds dulcet in his own voice!!! Most certainly worth a listen because it is infused with passionate recollections, poignant perspectives and intriguing narrative.

Well worth the time!

His narration was different, but captivating. His life story is amazing, and his accomplishments grand. He presented Fred Rogers with great love and t was interesting to see his take on the “Neighborhood.” One of the best purchases I have made with Audible.
Dave Aardappel

Vivid storytelling with vocal cameos!

A vivid self-portrait of a young man's coming of age in 20th century America. The author's innocence and good nature rings through, despite experiences of family violence, and societal racism and homosexuality. Half-way through the book, Fred Rogers is introduced to his life, where he remains a shining father-figure and gracious example of love, kindness and caring. The book ends with an uplifting note, and thoughts to chew on during a polarized contemporary society. "Be kind", is the parting message.

Interesting and Uplifting

Officer Clemmons lifted my spirit in the dark days of Covid-19. I'm most grateful. I think highly of Mr. Rogers, but I'm too old to have enjoyed the program as a child. Francois Clemmons' story in itself is compelling if you want to understand the lives of men who are gay and/or black in America. Many of the issues persist to the present day.

In the interest of appealing to more readers and critics, it makes sense that the book trails off in 2003 with the death of Mr. Rogers. And it makes sense that the book is transparent about Francois Clemmons inner life up to the point that he meets Mr. Rogers. But I would like to see the rest of the story, what happens to Francois Clemmons after 2003? What else happened after he met Mr. Rogers? The book ended too soon.

Thanks for the Memories

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers on PBS and loved the person who portrayed Officer Clemmons. I purchased Francois Clemmons book on audible and loved hearing his memories in his own voice. The way in which he talks about his childhood, his journey to college and his Operatic career all were something that impressed me. He came to my home town and sang in a local church. We have friends in common too. I wished I had know this at the time, as I would have definitely gone to see him. I highly recommend this memoir. Francois overcame so much in his life to get to where he is today.
Thank you Francois for being you and staying true to yourself.