The owner of a legendary jazz club has died. He will be remembered for his remarkable life and the musical gift he gave to Atlanta for decades.
John Scatena, who owned Cafe 290 in Sandy Springs, died Nov. 15 following a bout of recent health challenges, his family said. He was 83 years old.
Scatena had a lifelong love for music and purchased Cafe 290 from its previous owners in the early 1990s.
He formed Cafe 290 Records, which produced seven albums of trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden, who became a close friend.
Scatena’s favorite saying, was the title of Gransden’s 2011 album “It’s a Beautiful Thing!” The album was recorded live at Cafe 290.
“To me, he’s a legend and not just in Atlanta,” Gransden said. “He gave so many musicians a start. There would be no Joe Gransden big band without John Scatena. John gave everybody a shot. Thank God he did because it jumpstarted my career.”
Cafe 290 was in operation for 40 years. Sunday night jazz jams led by saxophonist Gary Harris and Gransden’s big band performing two Mondays per month were among the club’s most popular nights. Cafe 290 opened in 1981 and permanently closed in 2021, unable to recover from the pandemic.
While Cafe 290 was known for jazz, Scatena featured all types of music, and the nightclub drew an abundance of celebrities from Clint Eastwood to Jamie Foxx throughout the years. But, Scatena was the main man of importance for locals. Acquaintances and friends would often point out to staff that they knew John.
I worked as a bartender at Cafe 290 for four years in the early 2000s and was a patron for the entire 40 years of its lifespan. Two of the longtime bartenders met at the music club in 1998 and held their wedding reception there.
In 2022, I talked with Scatena and Joe Gransden during my podcast recording of “Love Letters to Cafe 290.”
Reflecting on the nightclub’s early years, Scatena said, “Atlanta just had a plethora of great musicians but not really a lot of places to play. The Punchline… was right next door… That combination of comedy club, jazz club was just a natural beauty.”
One of Scatena’s most fond memories was hanging out with famed comedian Jackie Mason who was performing at the Punchline.
“Jackie hung out with me for an entire week,” Scatena says in the podcast recording. “He was in town [trying material] for his opening Broadway show … We would hang out at the Ritz Carlton … just having a ball.”
Scatena was a native of Pennsylvania. Before purchasing Cafe 290, he worked in finance in corporate America, his family said, and owned three economy brand hotels, including one in Athens, Georgia.
He is survived by two daughters, Renee’ McDonnell (Rich Carney), and Johnna Deering (Michael); grandchildren Daniel McDonnell, Peter McDonnell, Thomasina Deering and John Deering; sister Linda Pritts (Jim) and brother Jeff Scatena; nephews and niece Jim Pritts, Justin Pritts and Kaicey Pritts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Scatena (Borland) and his sister Cynthia.
Scatena’s love of music was in full flower when he was a teenager in 1958. He and three friends formed a doo-wop singing group called “The Quadels.” They performed at churches and neighborhood events for two years before signing a contract with 20th Century Fox Record Corp, a newspaper clipping states.
That record contract came about from a 17-year-old John Scatena’s persistence, his cousin Jim Scatena recalls. He told SaportaReport the quartet had traveled to New York City to make cold-call visits to record studios. And they had no demo recording to show off their sound.
“They had no luck at all,” Jim said. “The last day they had no money left. They were on their way to the bus terminal to go home when they passed [20th Century Fox Records.]”
Scatena’s friends had given up hope, Jim said, and went on to the bus station while young John went inside and persuaded an executive to give the quartet a chance.
The singing group lasted only a short while after signing their contract, but Scatena was able to live out a musical dream in a different way in Atlanta, his cousin said.
“He had such a sunny disposition. No matter what came along he would always say, “Hey, it’s a beautiful day.”
Scatena’s younger sister Linda Pritts said that when Cafe 290 closed, he didn’t slow down very much.
“He was always up for anything,” she said. “Food, entertainment. Everybody should be like him. He was an amazing person. I loved him. He made everybody laugh.”
“I want him to be remembered for his generosity, his laughter and his wit. He had that infectious personality.”
A public celebration of Scatena’s life is being planned with a tentative date in January 2025.
I had the pleasure of working with John! He became a true friend and confidant! Loyal, real, funny, witty, charismatic, humble and don’t take no mess! It was and has been an honor knowing him!! Anyone who graced his appearance, he made them feel welcome! May his spirit live on in all of us! I love John 😊❤️ and may his flesh RIP😇
I met John several years ago via my daughter, Kathrine Williams. Each time I visited Atlanta, on my list was a trip to Cafe 290. John & his staff treated me with the utmost respect. The music, food, atmosphere, was always the absolute best. I will miss John and Club 290. My condolences to his family.
It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the passing of John Scatena, a man who has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural landscape for decades. I’ve had the privilege of knowing John for many years, both as a patron of his iconic Café 290 and as a fellow resident of the same high-rise in Sandy Springs. His warmth and dedication to fostering Atlanta’s jazz community left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Since 1987, I have been captivated by the magic of Café 290. John had a gift for creating an environment where the soul of jazz could truly thrive. His club wasn’t just a venue; it was a sanctuary for music lovers and a launchpad for countless musicians whose careers blossomed under the spotlight he provided. It was a place where strangers became friends and where the power of music brought us all closer together.
But beyond his role as a jazz impresario, John was a kind and generous spirit. In the years we shared as neighbors in Sandy Springs, I came to know him not just as the man behind the music but as a person with a deep love for community and connection. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his ability to bring people together, whether through jazz or simple conversation, was truly special.
John Scatena’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched—through the music that filled his club, the musicians he supported, and the memories he helped create. Atlanta has lost a legend, but his impact will resonate for generations to come.
Rest in peace, John. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the joy you brought to so many. You will be deeply missed.
Today I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of a dear and cherished friend John Scatena a fantastic human being and lover of all people .And people loved him back .I had the honor of meeting him 40 years or so ago at the club wh I got sick he was there making sure I was OK. I will never forget him .I just wanted to pay homage to somebody that everybody who met him was treated with a touch of class, dignity, and love and also good food ,cocktails ,music and friends. “It was a Beautiful Thing ” Hopefully someone will let us all know about his celebration of life that I read that they are planning.
Rest well my Friend . You labored long and we enjoyed the fruits of your Labor
Love peace and Blessings
Charles welch
Always had a great time at Cafe 290. John would always greet the patrons. Hopefully, one of the family members would consider reopening.
Wow! What a Legend right here in Atlanta! John seemed to never age. Always had the most beautiful smile. Cafe 290 was a live music staple and never disappoint for jazz. I met great musicians and vocalist there: Joe Gransden, Ken Ford, Teresa Hightower, Gerald Damion and Liz Bragdon not to forget Melvin Miller. My Heartfelt Condolence to All who loved John. May he rest in eternal peace.