Joe Negri’s Birthday!
We celebrate the June 10th, 2024 - the 98th birthday of our guitar hero handyman, Joe Negri.
A major fixture on television and in our music scene for many wonderful years - jazz bursting back on the scene is just one of the ways to celebrate Joe and music in Pittsburgh.
We talked to Joe this week - and while he’s not performing in public anymore, he still loves to play his music.
We share recordings of Joe with Nancy Wilson, John Wilson, Max Leake, Roger Humphries, Dwayne Dolphin and more.
Here’s a wonderful profile of Joe by Rich Kienzle from 10 years ago.
We hear music from the old Foster’s in Oakland with Joe and trumpeter Danny Conn - and Joe talks about them as the “Gemini Twins.”
Joe Negri and Scott Hanley - Fundraising at WDUQ, 2010
Look below for a number of great treats about Joe Negri, his music and his career!
Happy Birthday, Joe Negri! The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.
In 2010, Joe Negri stopped by the "new" studios WDUQ moved into before the sale of the station - the location used to be the headquarters for Musicians Union Local #60-471
The story of how Joe and Bobby Negri met Gene and Fred Kelly in Pittsburgh
Joe Negri plays jazz in the WQEX TV studio with brother Bobby on piano, Danny Conn on trumpet, Don Aliquo on sax, Roger Ryan on drums, and Dave LaRocca on bass.
Also of note in June:
June 18, 2024 is the date of the unveiling of a new Pennsylvania Historical Marker at the home of the father of modern Jazz Piano, Earl “Fatha” Hines, 11am at 600 Priscilla Avenue, Duquesne, PA 15110.
June 19-20, 2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of the first-ever Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, held at the Civic Arena and co-produced by Mary Lou Williams and George Wein – and sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization of Pittsburgh
June 2019, the Jazz Restaurant Con Alma opened in Pittsburgh - 5 years ago!
Jazz Matters. WZUM shares those sounds and wants to share those sounds and stories every day - thanks for listening and for your support!