Johnny Costa's Guest Book

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, growing up a viewer of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," but not yet appreciating that fabulous piano music that accompanied the show. As I grew older, I began piano lessons in the second grade and added saxophone lessons in the third grade. The former gave me an appreciation for the piano, and the latter brought an appreciation for jazz. Eventually, I was accepted to Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, right around the corner from WQED (the home of "Mister Rogers Neighborhood"), which is about the time that I learned of an album that Johnny Costa had recorded with music from the show. I purchased it directly from the television station and have considered it a prized possession ever since. Never coming out on compact disc, I have only played it twice to make cassette tape copies, and I hope to transfer it digitally so that I can make a compact disc for myself to enjoy for life! A couple of years later, my parents surprised me by taking me to dinner at Pittsburgh's elegant and exclusive University Club. The dinner wasn't the whole surprise—the fact that Johnny Costa was playing there that evening was! It was the thrill of a lifetime to be introduced to an idol in real life! I will never forget my impressions of Mr. Costa. He was small of stature and possessed a gentle nature (and handshake) coupled with a broad smile. I was struck by an immediate sense of genuine warmth from the man whose music must be heard to be appreciated and whose playing must be seen to be believed. He even played a request for me--one of his arrangements from the show. Those memories stay with me and return whenever I listen to the sound of his talented fingers truly "flying" across the keys in what I remember to be an absolute blur to witness. They did so with such apparent ease and great joy that the word "gifted" seems an almost unfair understatement of his abilities. To all those who never had the privilege of meeting or knowing Johnny Costa, I encourage you to nevertheless enjoy and enrich others with the music that is his legacy to us all. His spirit truly lives on. Thank you, Johnny Costa.
Craig K. Frock
January 25, 2008

My mother, Bette Smiley, knew Johnny Costa very well, and he was the pianist on some or many of her radio broadcasts during her KDKA shows; e.g., "Radio Gift Shop of the Air" and with Buzz & Bill. She talked about all of them like they were family. I was too young at the time to remember whether I even met him or not, but my mom had great respect for him and spoke of him frequently, or at times on the phone even after she retired from radio around 1954. I'd love to know whether any photos of my mom with Johnny might ever show up.
Rob Schellhaas (aka Rob Wesley)
Falling Waters, West Virginia
October. 3, 2007

I recall Johnny Costa was a positive influence on my appreciation of music as a child. As an adult, I reflect fondly on the sounds and images he left with me. He personified humility and could jest at himself. These qualities have come to me late in life. I was in the Navy when Johnny passed. I regret all the years I missed his music. I was sorry to hear of his passing and I am sorry for your loss. He is missed.
Bruce Meyer
August 19, 2007

I am a 58-year-old man who still watches “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” I feel the messages of the show can benefit people of any age. We all need reminding of basic values and to experience the positive re-enforcement that the show offers. A large part of that positive feeling is the music and playing of Johnny Costa. Whether in accompanying a singer or playing lead, if you pay attention, his music is both moving and jaw-dropping. The perfect phase at every moment! And the technique is astounding. As good as some of the featured musical guests were on MRN, to hear Johnny play is to experience music on the next level. I love to hear the improvising over the credits, which is different every day. That is unheard of for me. When my friends talk about a great pianist, I say, "Yeah, but ya gotta hear Johnny Costa.” I am so glad to read on your site that Johnny was as good a man as he was a musician. That is often not the case with great talent. Thanks for your web site.
Larry Martin
August 7, 2007

Hello Mr. Costa.  I am Kevin Saunders, son of Carol Saunders, who played on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” My mother passed in February. I am a member of Urge and decided to plug in your name and found some albums you recorded, and it brought back memories of being on the set hearing you play. May God bless you.
Kevin Saunders
July 21, 2007

I sure appreciate all the work you put into this website. I took a few piano lessons from Johnny when I lived in Pittsburgh and saw him whenever he played at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. He gave me a cassette tape of “Johnny Costa plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz” many years ago, and I sure would love to have another copy as the tape is worn out. I understand it is listed as unavailable, but I think it truly is some of his best playing ever, and I was hoping to find out if you know where I can buy another copy. It would be wonderful if someone would take the time out to make it available on CD. It seems to me a shame to let this fantastic recording go unshared. Thanks for such a good job on the website. A small but very important story is in order, one that changed my life. I would often go to the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh to hear Johnny play solo along with my parents. Sitting there, I wished I could play like Johnny. I was in my 20s then (now 46) and had played the piano continuously since age 6, but certainly couldn't approach Johnny’ level. I asked him if he taught piano, and he said his schedule didn't permit it, but he knew of a very good teacher, Mr. Bill Chrystal in Mt. Lebanon. I eventually studied with Bill for over 10 years, and he proved to be one of the biggest influences in my musical career. I started playing gigs at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, playing with Danny Conn, Rodger Ryan, Dave LaRocca on occasion. Sometimes I'd play with Ron and Jimmy Scholl, (drums and bass, respectively). Jimmy is long gone, but I remember him saying that he would watch “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” just to hear the music. I have to admit I'm guilty of that as well even to this day. Johnny continued to stick in my mind, and after becoming a more accomplished jazz pianist, he was kind enough to take me on as a part-time student, and I treasured every minute of it. That was in the late 1980s right after he released the “Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz.” I met his wife Helen, although I don't know his children. We would go down to the basement (in New Kensington) and have a lesson on his Baldwin Acrosonic. Today, I entertain in country clubs and for private parties, but primarily play in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes in Connecticut. My versions of "New York, New York" and "Manhattan" are ones I learned from Johnny. He used to tell me,
"You have to get people to tap their feet, snap their fingers, when you play," and I always try to remember that today. My entire audiences snap to attention when I play those songs today, and I am so grateful to be able to make such a positive difference in others lives as a result. Being able to pass these kinds of things along to someone else in life is "where it is" as far as I'm concerned. It is the reason why I am a musician. Johnny steered me to a teacher that changed my life, then was kind enough to take me on for a few great lessons, (which I recorded at his suggestion). I will never be the great pianist he was, but I sure can hold my own, and one of the reasons is that he took the time to help and pass on what he knew and loved. If you get the chance, please pass my appreciation on to his children. There is such a warm spot in my heart for this man. My most treasured recording ever is one that my wife Heidi bought when we were visiting in Pittsburgh at the Attic Record Store—Johnny’s first recording on Savoy, “Introducing Johnny Costa,” the 10" LP that was popular for a while in the 1950s. What a great picture of him on the cover.
Jon Tench
June 25, 2007

I have been reading all the wonderful comments about Johnny from his fans and how they adored him. I had the honor of playing music with John for several years because of his saxophone playing brother Alex's illness. I will never forget what he said to me one night on a job: “Troy, I wonder who will keep playing these tunes after we are gone?” I told him probably nobody. As I will be around for a few more years, I will still play those tunes, and I also wonder who will keep playing this music after I go. John was a beautiful man and a dear friend, and I have missed him very much since his death.
Troy W. Campbell
June 17, 2007

I grew up with "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." I am age 30, and I have been a serious piano player for 21 years. Inspiration comes from many, and sometimes the strangest places. I recently have been tuning in to PBS religiously to catch the first couple of minutes of "Mister. Rogers' Neighborhood" to hear the new masterpiece that Mr. Costa turned the simple theme song into daily. I have to believe that Mr. Costa's playing on that show for the many years I watched as a child influenced me subconsciously. Watching from the standpoint of the music he played on there now makes MRN that is teaching me as much now as it did when I was a child. I am a Southern rock, gospel, blues pianist and have recently purchased some jazz instructional material knowing there is endless knowledge to be gained about music and the piano, and this is because of the inspiring music of John Costa.
Rich Canter
May 22, 2007

I am extremely thankful, not only for the music of Johnny Costa, but for his character, especially how he prized his wife and children over stardom, which he certainly could have had (and should have now) within the worldwide jazz community. I have always loved the music of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Fred was an awesome pianist too, which I learned through the PBS documentary. But Johnny is almost unparalleled. Just a couple of weeks ago, I heard Bob Studebaker of Jazzworks (which I think comes from Pittsburgh) open the midnight hour with a 6.5 minute recording of Johnny performing "The Man I Love" from one of his 1990s CDs. It was captivating. I marveled at the Tatumesque lines and incredible imagination on display and delighted in the romanticism that he evoked, a sound of a bygone era that still lies at the core of great jazz piano, even in the 21st century. I did not realize that Tatum himself admired him until I found your website. I, too, have had the privilege of airing Costa, as I am a substitute host of a jazz program in Salt Lake City. Years ago, the station received the Savoy reissue of his 1955 session, which they called "Neighborhood." I know that I played it a few times back when we had turntables. I've been a substitute host for 20 years and have done a few hundred programs over that span. I don't have too many lasting memories of what I played or how I felt about it, but one of them was closing out the 9 o’clock hour one night with "There's a Small Hotel" from that LP. The beauty and sensitivity of that piece is astounding. He knew what romance really is and could channel that in his playing. He knew it, I suspect, because he lived it with his wife, Helen. When the station sold all of its LPs, I went towards the end of the sale, not wanting to do potential battle with the sea of humanity that came early. I knew the library well, but my hopes were not very high that I would get much of value. But I was pleasantly surprised at what remained, including "Neighborhood," which is now one of the gems in my collection. Unfortunately, we do not have any of Johnny's CDs. Hearing him again, I'll advocate getting them. It is probably true that Johnny Costa has been heard more often by more Americans than any other jazz artist in history with the possible exception of Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band. There could be no better ambassador of the music to the ears of multiple generations, especially considering his admirable character and lifestyle. May his memory and music live forever.
Gene Dailey
Feb. 3, 2007

I met John Costa at the WQED station when they taped “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in 1991 and have loved the music. I have hoped some of his older records would come out and more info on his life. I just bought a album on eBay, “Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz” and have a audio tape that I got for my 8th birthday. It's sad that he has passed on.
Lawrence Martin
Roseville/Sacramento, California
December 27, 2006

As a native of western Pennsylvania (Clarion), I grew up listening to the wonderful jazz piano of Mr. Costa before public television ever made its way into my home. Folks local to the Pittsburgh area may remember the live morning news and entertainment show called "Daybreak" that aired on KDKA-TV channel 2 in Pittsburgh in the 1950s and early 1960s. Together with Don Riggs (show host and drummer who stood up at a solo snare drum beside Johnny's piano and usually played with brushes), the two of them often played the most wonderful jazz and light standards live on the air. Oh, to be able to access those old programs to listen to and watch them once again. They watched each other and smiled as they made their music. This was for me, even at a very young age (perhaps 5 or 6 years old at the time) a wonderful experience. I remember even as a small child stopping in my living room in front of a black-and-white television and listening to him play the piano. Perhaps because of Johnny Costa on that local live television show, I became a lover and player of piano jazz to this very day. I salute you, Mr. Costa.
Doug Whitehill
December 20, 2006

Just want to add my name to the list of well wishers. Every day, I listen to some Johnny Costa music and feel better immediately. Thank you for the opportunity. I really do not know anything about you, but I think you must be a "good guy." I was looking for some information about Hans Ruland, a producer, radioman, label owner, and author. I found this website because of a short entry of Mr. Ruland in your guestbook. Johnny Costa, a name who never reached my mind or my ears. Although I already have reached 30 years on this planet, I do belong to the "younger" generation of classical jazz listeners. Unfortunately, I did not discover and discern jazz until age 27. That Johnny Costa died years ago was is familiar to me  because almost all of the stars passed by, but there are still recordings. It is thanks to such musicians like the young pianist Bernd Lhotzky, Louis Mazetiers, and to the versatile Dick Hyman as well as a few jazz connoisseurs of my acquaintance like Mr. Ruland, who really know jazz. They showed me the way, the first steps and keep swing alive. Now, at least with a basic knowledge, I'm completely surprised, to find a "new" pianist with this high level of piano playing! I have no records yet, but now I will get some, of course. What a great pleasure to find a background audio on your homepage that gives a first impression and (for me) an essential kick. Awesome, just terrific. I can't comprehend that I haven't earlier detect such a genius of the first waters. Keep swinging.
Robert Weis
October 22, 2006

What a nice tribute to Johnny Costa. I'm a fan of his music, which I discovered through “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
William McCullars
Octpber 17, 2006

I have listened to Johnny Costa on TV for many years. His was the best playing I have heard since the days of Tatum. I feel quite fortunate to have found your website regarding him. I hope to acquire his recordings since he has given me so much pleasure over the years.
Jon D. Tillema
October 2, 2006

I don't know where to begin. I am a 28-year-old church musician who grew up watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Johnny Costa's music influenced me heavily in my musical style, and I spent years explaining to people who "missed it" about the wonderful music on the program, though at that time I didn't know who the genius producing the music was. I hope in the near future to own all of Mr. Costa's records. Are they available on CD?
Kenya S.
October 3, 2006

For years, raising my children and watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”, they watched him, and I waited until the credits to marvel at the pianist and trio, the finest musicianship anywhere. My wife and I are musicians. I am a performing arts music teacher at theFame High School for Performing Arts, Laguardia Arts, here in New York City. I am a pianist and composer, a picky one, and have never forgotten the artistry of Mr. Costa. This morning, my youngest, Micah (5) watched the program. I brought my wife, 20 years my junior, into the room to listen to the closing music. Stunning chords, cross rhythms unmatched, tasteful coda, Sorry young players, there is no present equal.
Thus, thanks to the web, I decided to finally read about Mr. Costa. I am not surprised of his legacy, and most importantly, the heart and modesty. Only the greatest carry it.
Patrick Byers
June 23, 2006

I was privileged to know Johnny Costa, though not well. In 1969-1970, a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, i worked at WQED-TV as a shipping clerk by day and as assistant producer by night and weekends. Sam Silberman and Jim Sweeny took a chance on me as did directors Al Abady and Hugh Downing. I only stayed a year, but the memories are intense and wonderful. Among them is working in the control booth while Fred Rogers was in the Neighborhood. It was on one of those occasions that I met Johnny Costa, who was already a fixture in Pittsburgh. I don't know that we ever said much to one another, other than "Hello," but his music for me said it all. It continues to move me, to be evocative of days gone, and perhaps days to come. I went on from WQED to a year overseas, then to law school, the Navy, U.S. government service as a prosecutor, and now, working in Bulgaria on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice. Exciting things, with their own, mostly good, memories. But none of those memories is as sweet as the ones I have of Johnny Costa at the piano. Thanks for the memories.
Ivan Safyan Abrams
June 4, 2006

Johnny Costa has amazed me with his musical gifts. I loved hearing him play on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He has left us with a taste of heaven. I’m sure he is up there playing for God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the saints and angels.
Vince Marshall
May 10, 2006

I was born in 1948 and so was too old to enjoy “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” as a child, but, being a jazz nut, I  have grown to lovelistening to the shows just to hear Mr. Costa. I appreciate Rogers' talents as a composer, but the combination of Costa's genius and Rogers' melodies, well, it makes a record collector/music lover salivate.
Andy Balterman 
April 29, 2006

I purchased the 4 Chiaroscuro Costa recordings and have played and replayed them. As a devotee of Tatum, the discovery of these recordings is a real find. I am also friendly with Adam Makowicz who plays in the same vein. I hope the early records of Costa will be rereleased.
Donald J. Dreyfus
April 7, 2006

While talking with a couple of former band members the other night, we recalled being in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  Not much there; one huge bar, one Pizza Parlor, two grocery stores, a state grange with fuel and farm stuff, and a federal institution for the "disturbed." It was a fill-in gig between Vancouver and Winnipeg, almost 2,000 miles apart. The town felt "funny." We went to the gig and were curious by a lack of vehicles in the large open parking lot.  None of us paid particular attention to the four school buses parked way over in the corner. The joint was called "The Louie Reil       ," named after a local national hero. We found the place packed wall-to-wall with mysteriously quiet people. Wasn't an empty table to be found. The place was huge, great lighting, and a wide stage. During the first set, everyone danced except for one person left sitting at each table who read a book or magazine. Females danced with other females, and males danced with males. The "dancing" lacked rhythm or grace; it was uncoordinated and stiff, almost spastic.  However, everyone—except the guy at the table—applauded hysterically with noise and gusto. Strange to see because persons kept looking at each other, never once looking at any of us. We never questioned the schedule. Monday night was eight to midnight. Tuesday through Saturday was the standard nine to one-thirty. We all ordered something to drink, as the place was typically hot. None of the bar crew spoke, which felt uncomfortable. The bartender finally said without humor, “Thanks a lot, yanks. You emptied my bar with only one show! Hope you're proud!" We began the second set in an empty room. Halfway through an opening three-tune medley, people rushed in, laughing fool heads off.  Dancing bodies were everywhere, but we continued playing. What was happening? The first hour (early) Monday nights were reserved for the entire population of the hospital. The person at the table reading a book was the chaperone. The mixed dancing was how those folks behaved, and it was a town joke to leave the first time a new band played. Not much happened in Prince Albert, so doing this was hilarious to those folks. What does any of this story have to do with the magnificent Mr. Costa? The only two TV channels aired a curling program, a sport played by kids who skid round, flat-bottomed rocks with handles on them across the ice while wildly sweeping in front of them with straw brooms or "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood." Because the five of us were musicians, loved Jazz, admired talent, and appreciated any opportunity to listen—John Costa became our instant hero, probably saved our sanity, and gave us reason to stay "home." We recorded the music on a reel-to-reel tape recorder, duped it onto cassettes, learned the licks 'n stuff, and then got together to see what we could use in our charts. This activity occupied all our spare time. It was a wonderful experience!  
Music from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” was played six hours each day, seven days a week. All the shows were different, so we didn't dare wander too far from the tube. We agreed unanimously that if it were not for Johnny Costa, we might not have survived with our brains intact.
Jim Ells
February 20, 2006

I purchased the four Costa recordings on Chiaroscuro and have played and replayed them. As a devotee of Art Tatum, the discovery of these recordings is a real find. I am also friendly with Adam Makowicz who plays in the same vein. I hope the early records of Costa will be rereleased.
Donald J. Dreyfus
Cardiff, California
April 7, 2006
I was born in 1948, and so was too old to enjoy “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” when a child, but being a jazz nut, I have grown to lovelistening to the shows just to hear Johnny  Costa. I appreciate Rogers' talents as a composer, but the combination of Costa's genius and Rogers' melodies makes a record collector-music lover salivate.
Andy Balterman 
April 29, 2006

Johnny Costa has amazed me with his musical gifts.  I loved hearing him play on “Miser Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He has left us with a taste of Heaven. I’m sure he is up there playing for God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, The Saints and Angels.
Vince Marshall
May 10, 2006

I was privileged to know Johnny Costa, though not well. During 1969-1970, a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, I worked at WQED-TV as a shipping clerk by day and as assistant producer by night and weekends. Sam Silberman and Jim Sweeny took a chance on me as did directors Al Abady and Hugh Downing. I stayed only a year, but the memories are intense and wonderful. Among them is working in the control booth while Fred Rogers was in the Neighborhood. It was on one of those occasions that I met Johnny Costa, who was already a fixture in Pittsburgh. I don't know that we ever said much to one another other than "Hello," but his music for me said it all. It continues to move me, to be evocative of days gone, and perhaps days to come. I went on from WQED to a year overseas, then to law school, the Navy, U.S. government service as a prosecutor, and now, working in Bulgaria on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice. Exciting things, with their own, mostly good, memories. But none of those memories are as sweet as the ones I have of Johnny Costa at the piano. Thanks for the memories.
Ivan Safyan Abrams
June 4, 2006

For years, raising my children and watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” they watched him, and I waited until the credits rolled to marvel at the pianist and trio, the finest musicianship anywhere. My wife and I are musicians, I am a performing arts music teacher at the Fame high school for performing arts, Laguardia Arts, in New York City. I am a pianist and composer, a picky one, and have never forgotten the artistry of Mr. Costa. This morning after many years, my youngest child, Micah (aged 5 years) watched the Neighborhood. I brought my wife, 20 years my junior, into the room to listen to the closing music. Stunning chords, cross rhythms unmatched, a tasteful coda. . . . Sorry young players, there is no current equal. Thus, thanks to the web, I decided to finally read about Mr. Costa. I am not surprised, his legacy, and most important, the heart and modesty. Lord, where is that these days? Only the greatest carry it.
Patrick Byers
June 23, 2006

What a wonderful website! My grandfather, Dom Trimarkie, and Johnny were very close friends, and one of the favorite things my grandfather gave me was a cassette tape of Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I will always treasure it. I look forward to visiting your website often and learning more about The Johnny Costa Center for the Performing Arts.
Kelly A. Phipps
June 27, 2006

Let me compliment you on your beautiful sight. What a true masterful and beguiling artist Johnny Costa was and always will be. He left us enchanted with his jazz that was true magic to the ear. Thank you again so much for your wonderful work by making his work known.
 Michael Kinsell
August 2, 2006

I don't know where to begin. I am a 28-year-old church musician who grew up watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Johnny Costa's music influenced me heavily in my musical style, and I spent years explaining to people who "missed it" about the wonderful music on Neighborhood programs, though at that time I didn't know who the genius producing the music was.
Kenya Sparrow
October 3, 2006

I just found your website.  What a nice tribute to Johnny Costa. I'm a fan of his music, which I discovered through the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” show.
William Mccullars
October 17, 2006

Johnny Costa, is a name who never previously reached my mind or my ears. Although I already have reached the 30th year on this planet, I do belong to the "younger" generation of classical jazz listeners. Unfortunately, I did not discover jazz until age 27. That Johnny Costa died a few years ago is familiar to me because almost all of the stars passed by. But there are still recordings. It is thanks to such musicians like the young pianist Bernd Lhotzky, Louis Mazetiers, the very versatile Dick Hyman, and to a few jazz connoisseurs of my acquaintance like Mr. Ruland who really know jazz. They showed me the way, the first steps and keep the swing alive. Now, at least with a basic knowledge, I'm completely surprised to find a "new" pianist with this high level of piano playing! I have no records yet, but I will get some, of course! What a great pleasure to find a background audio on your homepage that gives a first impression and (for me) an essential kick. Awesome. Just terrific. I don’t understand why I did not earlier detect such a genius of the first waters. Keep swinging.
Robert Weis
Salzburg, Austria
October 22, 2006

As a native of western Pennsylvania (Clarion), I grew up listening to the wonderful jazz piano of Mr. Costa before public television ever made its way into my home. Pittsburgh locals may remember the live morning news and entertainment show called "Daybreak" that aired on KDKA-TV channel 2 during the 1950s and early 1960s. Together with Don Riggs (show host and drummer who placed a solo snare drum beside Johnny's piano and usually played with brushes), the two of them often played the most wonderful jazz and light standards live. Oh, to be able to access those old programs to listen to and watch them again. They watched each other and smiled as they made their music. For a 5-year-old boy, this was a wonderful experience.  I remember stopping in my living room in front of a black-and-white television set and listening to Johnny Costa play the piano. Perhaps because of Johnny Costa’s performances on that local live television show I became a lover and player of piano jazz to this very day. I salute you, Mr. Costa!
Doug Whitehill
December 20, 2006

In 1991, I meet Johnny Costa at WQED-TV in Pittsburgh where they taped “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” I have loved the music that he played and hope that some of his older records are re-released. I just bought an album on eBay, “Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz” have an audio tape that I received for my 8th birthday. It's sad that he has passed on from this earth.
Lawrence Martin
December 28, 2006

I knew John over a long period until 1983 when I moved to Arizona . Lots of stories, but this is my favorite. I ran into John one morning in downtown Pittsburgh near Gimbel's. He looked like a fugitive from World War II. When I asked where he had been, he sighed. “Played at [Elsie] Hillman's last night after the symphony's performance. Andre Previn and I played the two pianos until damn near dawn. I cut him up pretty good.”
Art Cowles
January 24, 2006

I am a jazz musician and listener in St. Louis , Missouri , who for years admired the jazz being played on Mister Rogers ' Neighborhood . For all of these years, I never realized who the musicians were. This past Sunday, I was fortunate to hear a 1988 broadcast of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz with Johnny Costa. It was such a pleasure to hear a name connected with the music. I immediately looked up Johnny's history and enjoyed reading all about him. Johnny's music has always been a part of my life, although I never knew his name or life story. Music, especially jazz, is a great thing. Thanks for preserving his great contribution.
Mike Biffignani
January 23, 2006

I was just listening to Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz on NPR; tonight she presented “encore presentation” of a program recorded by Johnny Costa in 1988. I remember hearing this back when it aired the first time. My son (about to enter college now) was just a baby, and we were watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood every day. I was astounded at Johnny's playing and delighted to hear the show again after so many years.
Shirley Warren
January 22, 2006

Just a "sign in" in support of all the loving-kindness mentioned. Mr. Costa gave much . . . asked little. His example of all things possible continues to inspire and comfort me throughout my career.
Jim Ells
Port Orchard, Washington

It's Saturday January 21, and I just heard an interview with Johnny Costa on our local PBS station. I went to his website and was shocked to hear he no longer lives. His renditions of Debussy and Ravel in jazz style were just wonderful. I'm looking for some CD's to purchase.
Kathy Barry
January 22, 2006

When I first heard the music of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood , my heart instantly connected. To this day, I've never heard a pianist of such caliber of feeling. Mr. Costa's style is unprecedented from all that I hear today in music. I listen to a lot of jazz and many other styles of music, but none touches me like his does. He is truly a legend. I'm just a church musician, but in my circle of friends, we always talk jazz. And I always bring up . . . "but have you heard that cat on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ? No one knows who I'm talking about until the next day. And then they come back to me blown away at his power over the piano. So, I thank you, the webmaster, for keeping his piano singing to a generation of musicians who need to hear him. Truly a fan.
Cliff Moton
January 20, 2006

I grew up with the music of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I am pleased to see Johnny Costa's work preserved in such a way so that my children may hear his great musical contributions too.
Justin Hocking
January 15, 2006

I've enjoyed learning so much about Johnny Costa.  Great website.
Matt Williams
January 4, 2006

It's great to see all this on the web. Thank you.
Daniel Rodriguez
July 30, 2005

Thank you so much for this website. It's great to see someone caring on a wonderful performer such as Johnny Costa.  I've ordered the Johnny Costa collection, which I'm enjoy and adore so much listening to at least one of the CD's everyday. I'm a great fan of jazz and specially any piano talents. Listening to Johnny Costa takes me into a mood that I cherish when listening to jazz piano playing. I found out about Mr. Costa from one of my favorite programs I watched during my upbringing, Mister Rogers' Neigborhood, which I still enjoy today.
Irvine Wade
July 20, 2005

I would love to be added to the guest book. I'm an aspiring jazz musician and guitar builder in Minnesota, and I've no doubt that Mr. Costa was the influence that gave me such a deep appreciation for jazz music.Thanks for your dedication to a man who deserves more recognition than the music world gave.
Bobby Nelson
June 27, 2005

I really have enjoyed reading your e-mails about Johnny Costa.   What a beautiful human being he was; too bad he had to leave. Who knows how much more he could have accomplished, but I guess his work was finished, and he left a legacy for his fans to remember him.   What a better world it would be if we had more people like him. 
Roberta Kelley < bobbi211@connecttime.net>
May 2, 2005.

I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, and Johnny Costa was a name that was well known by Pittsburghers. I have the Dream CD of Johnny's that I listen to frequently. Sixteen classics that can't be compared to anything today.   He was a great musician of our era, and his music and performances are greatly missed.
Roberta Kelley < bobbi211@connecttime.net>
Valencia (Butler County ), PA  Sunday, May, 2005

Thank you for providing us with recordings of the great Johnny Costa. I became interested in his amazing talent when I was a child watching him play on Mister Roger's Neighborhood . Now that I am grown up, watching reruns of the show with my children, I really appreciate how great he was. His feeling for the music came across to the viewer. He didn't play down to his young audience. Because of this, watching this children's show with my children is such a pleasure. When he played, the music was breathtaking! I purchased Flying Fingers and Dream. I have heard about Classic Costa through a friend of mine. I was amazed by how much his music moved me. I saw him interviewed on a WQED show discussing his contribution to the show. Not only was Costa a great musician, he was a class act all the way!
Rick Waid
Sunday, April 24, 2005

It was my pleasure to tune the piano at the William Penn hotel for Johnny, for the years that I was associated with the Moody Baldwin Piano Co.  I would always sit and listen to him play after I had finished tuning, and consider it an honor to ha ve had his friendship.
Paul McCutcheon 
Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 9:56

Thank you for that thorough website on Costa. I too am a music lover. My passion is Vladimir Horowitz. My site is http://vlhorowitz.net. I've only recently become more interested in Johnny Costa's solo recordings after enjoying his work on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood all my life. I have purchased Costa's four Chiaroscuro CD's, and I crave more. Johnny should be recognized by more people, both for his talent and for giving up a potentially huge successful solo career for a more noble cause: children's education. Again, congratulations on your site. It is an honorable tribute to this underappreciated genius. 
Greg Lile
Tuesday, March 1, 2005

I should be deeply ashamed that up until a few month ago, I had never heard of this great master of piano. And I thought I knew a few. Thanks to SWING FM, a 24-hour jazz radio station in Limoges, France, which broadcasts Johnny Costa's music regularly, I got to know the name of this wonderful piano player. My attention got attracted by accident when I turned on the radio and I heard Johnny Costa's gorgeous interpretation of "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me". I heard such unusual phrasing and beautiful chords, which I could not place with any of the many piano player I know of. I grabbed the phone and called the radiostation. They told me that I had been listening to one of the great masters of 20th-century piano, Mr. Johnny Costa. Of course, I ordered his CD's immediately, and I will support gladly the promotion of his name in France and The Netherlands. Maybe his message to me was indeed, "Do Nothing, 'Til You Hear From Me."
Arnold Van Beest <RUAFONPARADIS@aol.com> 
Sunday, February 13, 2005

Hi. Fantastic web page. The information is very useful. I will come back soon. Thank you.
Paul <paul@free-polyphonic-ringtones.co.uk>
Friday, October 31, 2003

I like this site but I have to say that because I am the webmaster's granddaughter.
Nicole Glenn
Placentia, CA USA - Monday, October 27, 2003 at 19:58:04 (EST)

Thanks for preparing the great website! I've just begun to go through it. Today I'm at work listening to a Mister. Rogers’ CD from a collection of several that my wife bought to play at home for our children. I thought I'd better start learning these songs. I saw John's name in the liner notes and so here I am on-line at your site. Though I watched the show since the early 1970s, I never paid much attention to the piano until Fred Rogers died. There was a PBS special taped and ready for that day. I watched in great admiration, especially when John Costa's contribution was documented. In an interview Costa said that Fred, who was also a pianist, told John not to hold back any of the expression he wished to give the songs, to freely play in his wonderful style. This was part of the genius of Fred Rogers: to write a song for kids, but have the music played for ageless generations. I look forward to finding some of John's music to enjoy while I work and relax and share it with my children.
Michael Mundy
Liberty, MO Saturday, October 25, 2003