Joe Negri, a well-known figure on one of America’s beloved children’s television shows, has died just days before his 100th birthday. Negri, jazz guitarist who played handyman Negri in “Mister Rogers” NeighborhoodHe died of natural causes at the age of 99, his daughter Lisa Negri reported.
Long before countless viewers recognized Fred Rogers from his television NeighborhoodNegri has built an impressive career in music.
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Who is Joe Negri?
Born in Pittsburgh in 1926, he received a ukulele from his father at the age of three and began playing the instrument at an early age. By the age of 16, he was touring the country with a swing band.
Negri subsequently performed on radio shows and in clubs popular with dancers, including Fred and Jean Kellyand expanded his repertoire on a variety of instruments.
His most lasting role, however, was as the handyman Negri. He was a regular on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” throughout its run, becoming a household name during its 31 seasons from 1968 to 2001.
Joe Negri’s career at a glance
Even after the show ended, Negri continued teaching music for many years until his retirement in 2019. That same year, the state of Pennsylvania awarded him a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to music and community.
For decades, Negri taught countless musicians the intricacies of jazz guitar as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. He established the jazz guitar program at Duquesne University and continued to teach there until 2022. He retired from Pitt in 2019 after nearly 50 years of service in education.
“Joe Negri radiated life as an art form,” said Deane Root, professor of music at Pitt and former department chair, Triblive reported. “He spanned generations and brought out the best in the musicians who played with him.”
As a performer, he has showcased his talents in a variety of venues, from the Manchester Craftsmen Guild and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to numerous large and intimate jazz clubs.
