CULLMAN – Tim Clemmons is the music teacher for both East and West Elementary schools. Back in the ‘80s he created a song that has followed him around ever since. The melody in question is called "The Frog Song" and every student who has attended either elementary school will instantly remember the catchy song, as well as the man who allowed them to be creative.
“I’m actually on my 35th year as a music teacher as of this past February,” Clemmons grinned. “I’ve been teaching at East and West Elementary all that time except for two years, which I spent in Germany where I taught over there.”
Due to the amount of time spent teaching Cullman’s elementary school children over the years, there is one common memory when Mr. Clemmons’ name comes up in conversation – "The Frog Song".
"The Frog Song" began as part of a lesson plan for young children. It was a way of introducing the wonderful world of music and imagination to the youngsters.
“It’s kinda wild,” Clemmons mused.
“Back when I was doing my student teaching, I had my very first class, so I thought I would try to write a children’s song – I had never done that before,” he chuckled.
“It was a group of third graders and I sort of just sprang it on them. They seemed to like it. When I got my job at the two schools here in town, I thought, ‘Let’s see what happens’ and I have been singing it ever since!”
A big hit it was, indeed. To this day, people of all ages remember "The Frog Song" from their youth and each time they think of it, it brings back memories of a time when life was simple and full of wonders.
“My son loved it and Mr. Clemmons,” said Jamie Erwin.
“He gave Eli the gift of music and he's loved it ever since!”
“One of my former students put it on YouTube.com,” Clemmons said.
“It’s on there as Mr. Clemmons’ Frog Song. It’s got over 6,000 views so that’s pretty good. It’s no Justin Bieber, but it’s a start,” he said happily.
Mr. Clemmons is more than just a well-loved music teacher; he is also a composer whose work has been featured in different venues throughout the United States.
“I compose music and do that pretty regularly. I have some stuff out that’s actually been on television.”
Mr. Clemmons has written and composed music that has been played on the History Channel’s “American Pickers” and “Pawn Stars”; FOX’s “The Simpsons”; Lifetime’s “Dance Moms”; The Learning Channel’s “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and NBC’s “The Voice”. His music has also graced other television networks, such as MTV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, Animal Planet and Comedy Central.
“It is really kind of strange to be watching TV and you hear your music playing,” he said a little sheepishly.
Cullman is full of talented and imaginative people, and Tim Clemmons is just one of them. This week we honor Tim as CullmanSense’s Outstanding Citizen of the Week. If you know someone that you feel should be honored as an Outstanding Citizen, please let us know by e-mailing sharon@cullmansense.com.
