Who took over as musical director after Johnny Costa's death?

Michael Moricz took over as musical director after Johnny Costa's death.

Johnny Costa was the original musical director, arranger, and keyboardist of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He worked on the series from its debut in 1968 until his death in 1996, helping shape its distinctive jazz-influenced sound and providing much of the program's musical identity.

After Costa died, Michael Moricz became the show's musical director and remained in that role until Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ended in 2001. Moricz continued the program's established musical approach rather than replacing it with an entirely new style.

Costa's influence remained visible after his death. At Moricz's request, the closing credits continued to list Costa alongside Moricz as musical directors, and much of Costa's music—including the familiar celesta figure heard at the start of episodes—continued to be used. Joe Negri was a longtime guitarist and cast member, but he did not succeed Costa as musical director.