Plas Johnson, the jazz saxophonist best known for the solo riff on Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” theme, has died at age 94. The New York Times reports that Johnson’s recording of the theme included an improvised solo performed in the studio for the Mancini-composed music. Multiple outlets also connect him to work with major popular and jazz artists. The New York Times says he backed performers including Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. The Guardian adds that he recorded with Sinatra and lists additional collaborators, including B.B. King. According to a report cited by The Guardian from Los Angeles jazz radio station KKJZ, Johnson died on July 15 in Los Angeles. Across the coverage, Johnson’s most widely recognized contribution remains the saxophone solo associated with “The Pink Panther” theme, alongside a broader career that includes session and backing work for prominent musicians. He is remembered primarily for the distinctive recorded performance that became closely identified with the film’s title music.
Plas Johnson, saxophonist behind ‘The Pink Panther’ theme solo, dies at 94
Plas Johnson, the jazz saxophonist best known for the solo riff on Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” theme, has died at age 94. The New York Times reports that Johnson’s recording of the theme includ...
- Plas Johnson, a jazz saxophonist, dies at age 94.
- He is best known for his saxophone solo on Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” theme.
- Reports say he died on July 15 in Los Angeles.
- Johnson’s “Pink Panther” recording includes an improvised solo performed in the studio.
- He recorded or backed major artists including Frank Sinatra; additional reported collaborators include Barbra Streisand and B.B. King.
His recording for the theme song, written by Henry Mancini, included a solo improvised in the studio. He also backed Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.
3 hours agoJazz saxophonist – who recorded with artists Frank Sinatra, BB King and more – died in Los Angeles, reports sayThe US jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson, best known for his solo riff on the timeless classic The Pink Panther Theme, has died at the age of 94, according to reports.The native of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, died on 15 July, according to a report from the Los Angeles jazz radio station KKJZ. Continue reading...
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