Thumbing through old photos of the neighborhood, especially during the height of its "slum days," will certainly help a person appreciate the incredible vision of the area's early conservationists.
But the best way to truly understand the spirit of these forward thinking founders is to read the words of "Sherman's Song."
A poem written by longtime resident Sherman Jones and set to the tune of the Cole Porter hit, "It's De-Lovely," Sherman's song is a throwback to an era in Fort Greene history that time has since forgotten.
Still, there are a few founders of the Fort Greene Conservancy left who remember Jones and his song.
"Sherman was a vibrant member of the community," said Fred Lasker, lifelong friend and partner of Sherman Jones.
"He was just such a nice guy, always had a smile on his face, and never a mean word to say about anyone," added Ruth Goldstein, one of Jones' neighbors.
Holding up the lyrics of Sherman Song, Lasker and Goldstein painted the portrait of a larger-than-life character often seen wearing his trademark bow tie, who played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Fort Greene.
"He had this uniting effect on people and saw the incredible potential in the place he called home," Lasker said.
A home that Lasker stressed Jones captured in song.
"He [Sherman] loved music and the community and was very much into lyrics. So one day he combine all these passions and sat down and wrote us all a song," he said.
According to Lasker, it would not take long for ‘Sherman's Song’ to become a neighborhood anthem.
"We'd sing it at all the meetings and at parties. In fact, whenever we had any community gathering back then you could rest assure you'd hear 'Sherman's Song,'" Lasker said.
Sadly, Sherman Jones passed away in 1994 after a 2-year battle with AIDS, and soon after, the group stopped playing his song.
"I don't really remember why exactly. Maybe it was because it just didn't feel right at the time. But it's been a while since the last time we sang it," Lasker said.
Sherman Jones would have turned 67 years old on Sept. 15 of this year. To help mark the occasion, Patch would like to share the lyrics of his song with our readers:
SHERMAN'S SONG (to the tune of "It's De-Lovely" by Cole Porter)
You'll understand the reason why
We live in Brooklyn and it's all right
It's delightful, it's de-lovely, it's de-brownstone.
Just take a trip across the bridge
and you'll see what real living is.
It's delightful, it's de-lovely, it's de-brownstone.
People from far and near
come see the restoration that's here,
In Fort Greene, Park Slope too
and the new
Atlantic Avenue.
In Brooklyn there's a saving grace
Big brownstones all over the place
It's delightful, it's de-lovely
It's de-Navy Yard
It's de-promenade
A and S
It's de-Heights
It's de-BAM
It's de-brownstone.
