NPR Showcases Joe Negri – From Handyman to Jazz Guitarist
Our own “Handyman” Joe Negri was featured on NPR last month, not for his work on the Neighborhood, but as a world-class musician.
Besides his role as “Handyman” Negri in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Joe was also owner of Negri’s Music Shop where he performed with and introduced Mister Rogers to musical greats like cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolinist Peter Ostroushko, violinist Hilary Hahn and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis among many others.
Here’s what NPR had to say, “If you or someone you love grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, you may remember Joe Negri as Handyman Negri…But jazz fans know him as a guitar virtuoso…Negri has just released a new CD (Dream Dancing), his first in the stripped-down setting that showcases his finger-work.” Congratulations, Joe – we’re proud to be your neighbor!
Read or listen to the NPR feature on Joe Negri.
Here is what NPR listeners said about Joe Negri:
"You have done so much for cultivating the appreciation of jazz in children."
"Mr. Negri's musical heart gave a peaceful and dapper artistic style to the ambiance of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood that few programs for children come close to approaching today. Mr. Negri proved that jazz has a child's heart."
Watch these musical treats from the Neighborhood -- Joe Negri as "Handyman" AND jazz guitarist.