It’s been a sad few days in the neighborhood since we heard of the passing of our dear friend Joe Negri this past Saturday, just a few days shy of his 100th birthday. To remember and honor his legacy as a jazz guitarist and lifelong music educator, WQED-FM would like to share excerpts from two interviews with Joe, celebrating career achievements and sharing fond memories of his time on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Also included is an interview with Michael Feinstein, who recorded a CD with Joe and spoke very highly of him.
April 2013: Jim Cunningham spoke with Joe ahead of a tribute concert honoring him at Duquesne University. Joe shared with Jim his start as a studio musician, and how the character "Handyman Negri" made his appearance on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He also recounted playing with the bandleader Shep Fields, and recording with Leo Strini and the Pittsburgh Pops Orchestra.
August 2018: Joe received a proclamation from then-mayor Bill Peduto declaring July 21st, 2018 "Guitar Day with Joe Negri." He sat down with Jim Cunningham to talk about his years at Duquesne and his performing career. He remembered notable Mister Rogers' musical guests, including Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett, and Wynton Marsalis. Joe also named his musical heroes.
June 2011: Michael Feinstein spoke with Jim Cunningham ahead of his concert, "The Sinatra Project," with the PSO Pops. Joe was featured on Feinstein's CD Fly Me to the Moon, and performed selections from the album at the concert. Feinstein praised Joe's dexterity, youthful energy, and musical prowess.
To our beloved friend, thank you for sharing your love of music with us, all of southwestern Pennsylvania, and the rest of the world.
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