A tribute concert has been announced for former Disneyland ragtime piano player Johnny Hodges, who tragically passed away on July 2, 2026. He was 82. The concert is being performed by another former Disneyland ragtime piano player, Jonny May, who was also a pupil of Johnny Hodges. Jonny May has also started a fundraiser to help Hodges’ wife and kid as they go through this unexpectedly difficult time.
Johnny Hodges played at Refreshment Corner, commonly called Coke Corner, at The Happiest Place on Earth for decades before retiring. During this career, he filled Coke Corner with incredible music but, perhaps more importantly, a spirit of joy. He regularly would invite guests up to the piano to play a tune. Some of these guests were regulars, others were vacationers. In both cases, they walked away feeling like they were a superstar. Johnny had a way of making people feel special. His warm smile and relaxed demeanor brought a small-town feel to Coke Corner and the piano that was there.
After retiring, Johnny would continue to visit The Happiest Place on Earth for years to come. Sometimes, he would take to the bench and play a tune and delight those who were sitting around the piano. When he was done playing, the crowd would cheer, and he would stand nearby and enjoy watching the ragtime piano player. As much as Johnny had a love of music, he also had a love of people. Both of these loves were on full display when he was at Disneyland. It helped cultivate a community around the piano with regulars who would visit week after week.
Johnny continued to bring joy to others with his performances throughout the rest of his life. The day before he passed away, he was performing for audiences and sharing his gift of music.
Jonny May, who Johnny Hodges taught and mentored, announced that he will be hosting the concert on YouTube on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time. The concert will include the music that Johnny taught Jonny. Jonny will also share stories about Johnny Hodges’ life and celebrate the legacy that he left behind. It will be streamed live here:
In a post announcing the concert, Jonny May said, “Johnny, thank you for changing my life. You took me under your wing. You gave me a path. You showed me what was possible. Most importantly, you believed in me. I will carry your legacy forward with honor and joy. Your music will never stop.”
Johnny Hodges’ legacy will continue forward. It is a legacy of music, of kindness, and of joy. Anyone who met Johnny walked away better because of the encounter.
About the fundraiser, May said, “Johnny was the sole financial provider for his wife and daughter, both of whom face significant medical challenges that prevent them from working. We are raising money to help cover Johnny’s burial and funeral expenses and support his family through this devastating transition.” Please consider supporting financially and/or by sharing this post to raise awareness and support for Johnny Hodges’ family.
Please join Daps Magic in offering its sincerest condolences to those who knew and loved Johnny Hodges during this difficult time. In It’s a Wonderful Life, the angel Clarence said, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” Johnny Hodges exemplified what it was to live a wonderful life. He will be missed.
