Debbie Costa Elwood's favorite picture of her father, Johnny Costa.

90th Anniversary

Today, January 17, marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Johnny Costa, who remains my most precious friend and whose presence I will always miss in my life.

Nathan Southern recently completed the filming of a documentary on Johnny's life. I am hopeful it will be ready to air on PBS sometime later this year. Interviewed are Johnny's friends, family members, and some great musicians who have recognized his musical gift including Don Ashworth, Dave Brubeck, Dick Hyman, Joe Negri, Paul T. Smith, and Bob Rawsthorne. Also interviewed is Hank O'Neal of Chiaroscuro Jazz, who resurrected Johnny's recording career in 1992 with the release of "Classic Costa." He would later complete 4 recordings for Hank and 1 Christmas recording shortly his death in 1996 for Leonardo Meledandri .

Happy birthday, Johnny. Dick Hyman called you "a phenomenal pianist." Your wife Helen told me, "Johnny is as beautiful as person as the music he plays." And that he was. I cherish each minute I spent with him.

                                                                                  —Hugh Glenn
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