Pittsburgh jazz guitarist Joe Negri, known as Mister Rogers' 'Handyman Negri,' dies at 99
Pittsburgh jazz guitarist Joe Negri, known as Mister Rogers' 'Handyman Negri,' died at 99, just days before his 100th birthday. A musician, educator, and television performer, Negri appeared on *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood* since its first episode in 1968 and taught music at Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University for decades.
Joe Negri, a Pittsburgh jazz guitarist, educator, and television performer, died on Saturday at 99, just days before his 100th birthday. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Negri left school at 16 to tour with Shep Fields' big band in the 1940s before completing his education and studying music at Carnegie Institute of Technology. Negri gained fame as 'Handyman Negri' on *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood*, a role he held from the show’s debut in 1968 until its end in 2001. Beyond television, he performed with jazz legends like Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, and Yo-Yo Ma, while also teaching guitar at Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University for nearly five decades. Fred Rogers Productions released a statement calling Negri a 'beloved member' of the *Mister Rogers* family, praising his musical talent and dedication to education. Duquesne University president Ken Gormley honored Negri in 2022 with a Presidential Medal, citing his contributions to music, culture, and education. Negri also served as music director at WTAE TV and was a pioneer in jazz education at Pittsburgh institutions. Marty Ashby, founder of MCG Jazz, recalled Negri’s versatility, from playing with Tony Bennett at Heinz Hall to performing for preschoolers. Ashby noted Negri’s solo on Nancy Wilson’s 2004 album *R.S.V.P.* as a standout, saying Wilson herself called it 'perfect.' Ashby described Negri as 'always kind, happy, and full of life,' embodying joy in every setting. Negri’s legacy extends beyond music and television, with tributes highlighting his warmth and impact on generations of musicians and students. His role as 'Handyman Negri' taught children that everyone’s contributions matter, while his off-screen work inspired countless others in jazz and education.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.