Johnny Costa

Johnny Costa
Background information
Birth nameJohn Costanza
Born(1922-01-18)January 18, 1922
Arnold, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedOctober 11, 1996(1996-10-11) (aged 74)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)Musician, music director
InstrumentsPiano, celesta, synth, accordion
Years active1955–1996
LabelsWarner Bros. Records

Johnny Costa (born John Costanza; January 18, 1922 – October 11, 1996) was an American jazz pianist. Given the title "The White Art Tatum" by jazz legend Art Tatum,[1] Costa is best known for his work as musical director of the children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

Costa died of aplastic anemia in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 11, 1996, at the age of 74.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz with Johnny Costa". Piano Jazz. January 19, 1988. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  2. ↑ McNulty, Timothy (October 13, 1996). "Jazz Pianist, Used Keyboard to Tell Mr. Rogers' Stories". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 85.