About
Called the White Tatum by jazz great Art Tatum. He was the musical director for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood until his 1996 death.
Before Fame
He was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in music and education.
Trivia
His death was often mistakenly reported to be from leukemia, but it was actually caused by anemia.
Family Life
He was married to Helen Costa from 1941 until his death in 1996. They had two kids named Debbie Elwood and John Costa, Jr.
Associated With
His partnership with Mister Rogers' Neighborhood creator and host Fred Rogers was lengthy. Rogers thought him to be among the world's most talented musicians.
