Posted by Steve Marcus on March 01, 2003 at 09:05:02:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Mister Rogers - r.i.p. posted by tubagrow on February 28, 2003 at 23:42:10:
Fred Rogers did compose many songs and occasionally played piano on the show. However, the pianist who had the great jazz-oriented licks for many years was John Costa. According to the quote on the website, "John Costa, Rogers' friend and collaborator for more than 25 years, served as music director of MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD. Costa provided the elegant, upbeat and inventive arrangements that helped to give Rogers' songs a life of their own beyond the television set." I believe that John Costa passed away approximately seven years ago.