The TV legend starred on the beloved programme for over 30 years.
Joe Negri rose to fame on Mister Rogers’ neighbourhood (Picture: PBS)
Joe Negri, the beloved jazz musician often known as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood, has tragically died, simply days earlier than his one centesimal birthday on Saturday, Might 30. The guitarist starred on Fred Rogers’ iconic kids’s present from 1968 till Rogers stopped producing new episodes in 2000. The TV legend’s demise was introduced by his eldest daughter, Lisa, who confirmed to TribLIVE that her father died of pure causes. He would have turned 100 on June 10.
Among the many hundreds of tributes which have adopted, the Fred Rogers Manufacturing advised Individuals: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Negri, a beloved member of the Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood household whose heat, unbelievable musical expertise, and mild spirit introduced countless pleasure to viewers for many years. As Handyman Negri, Joe taught kids that everybody’s contributions matter, and off-screen, his mastery of jazz and dedication to training impressed numerous musicians.”
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Joe was additionally credited as a musician or arranger in different productions (Picture: Getty)
Longtime followers additionally honoured Joe’s reminiscence on social media, as one heartbroken viewer wrote: “He was one in all my favorite characters on Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood as a child. I even made a joke referencing him in one in all my books. RIP Handyman Negri.”
A second added: “He was our handyman. He was our music instructor, and he was ‘our’ neighbour, Godspeed Joe Negri. 99 years remains to be too quickly.”
“The legacy of a legend like Joe Negri is about excess of only a TV present; he was a bridge between the world of high-level jazz and the mild classes of the Neighbourhood,” shared one other fan.
As an emotional fan mirrored: “He wasn’t simply Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers Neighbourhood, he was a world-class jazz guitarist, educator, and a form soul. Thanks for making our neighbourhood so particular, Joe.”
On Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood, the educator gave the impression to be the fix-it man within the Land of Make-Imagine, in addition to the proprietor of Negri’s Music Store. He additionally gave common performances and music showcases on the present.
In a earlier interview with CBS, the star spoke about his TV profession and admitted the handyman title did not mirror his actual life. “I stated, ‘Fred, I am not helpful in any respect, I can not even hammer a nail,'” Joe defined.
“And he stated, ‘Don’t be concerned a couple of factor, it’ll be all fake.'” He added, “I am glad he gave me the music store as a result of it gave me a very good alternative to utilise my music.”
Exterior of tv, Joe constructed a revered profession as a musician and educator. He was identified for serving to introduce jazz guitar into instructional settings and spent many years instructing aspiring musicians.
He was broadly recognised and celebrated for his contributions to the humanities, as Joe acquired a Lifetime Achievement within the Arts award from the state of Pennsylvania in 2019 as a part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
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