Joe Negri, Legendary Jazz Guitarist and 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' Star, Dies at 97
PITTSBURGH, PA — Joe Negri, the esteemed jazz guitarist and longtime fixture on the beloved children's television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," has passed away at the age of 97. His death was confirmed by family members on Thursday, marking the end of an era for Pittsburgh's cultural scene.
Negri, a native of Pittsburgh, gained international recognition as "Handyman Negri" on the iconic PBS series, where he appeared regularly from 1968 through 2001. Beyond his television role, he was a highly respected musician who performed with legends such as Nat King Cole and Benny Goodman, profoundly influencing the local jazz community. The cause of death has not been publicly released. The city and the music world now mourn a figure who bridged the gap between educational television and professional jazz artistry.