Johnny Costa
American pianist
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.
Johnny Costa | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | John Costanza |
Born | Arnold, Pennsylvania, U.S. | January 18, 1922
Died | October 11, 1996 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 74)
Occupation(s) | Musician, music director |
Instruments | Piano, celesta, synth, accordion |
Years active | 1955–1996 |
Labels | Warner Bros. Records |
Costa died of aplastic anemia in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 11, 1996, at the age of 74.[2]
References
change- ↑ "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.
- ↑ McNulty, Timothy (October 13, 1996). "Jazz Pianist, Used Keyboard to Tell Mr. Rogers' Stories". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 85.