My contribution to mentions of the passing of Fred Rogers was brief because, while the effect of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on my early childhood was profound, I couldn't think of an expression of my gratitude equally profound, or as unique or interesting as many other rememberances. A week later, it occurs to me that the show is largely responsible for one of my few life-long interests: piano jazz. My father and my mother's father both get partial credit, but it was the traditional improvisational lines over the closing credits of Neighborhood that got me hooked on the form.

I've realized this fact several times in my life, and each time I had thought to research the name of the music director for the show and locate possible other works. My research obviously wasn't very thorough, but even when such fact finding became easy to do on the Internet, my attempts to identify the musician were fruitless. After over twenty years of searching, I owe thanks to Fresh Air's tribute show to Fred Rogers for finally connecting me with his name: Johnny Costa.