The saxophonist who performed the famous solo for *The Pink Panther* has passed away
American jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson, known for his famous solo in "The Pink Panther Theme" from the film *The Pink Panther*, has died at the age of 94. The musician passed away on July 15 in the Granada Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was six days shy of his 95th birthday.
Johnson gained the most fame for his tenor saxophone part in “The Pink Panther Theme,” which he recorded in 1963 alongside composer Henry Mancini. The film’s score was later included in the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of the 20 greatest film scores of all time.
The composition also won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar in the “Best Original Score” category at the 37th Academy Awards ceremony.
Recalling the recording of the famous composition, Johnson said that the work on it did not take long.
“I think we only recorded two takes. When we finished, everyone started clapping—even the string section,” he recalled.
The saxophonist jokingly added, “And that says something… They never applaud anyone.”
Johnson began his musical career as a child, performing with his family. His father, who played the banjo and saxophone, bought him his first saxophone.
The musician made his first professional recording in 1950 with his brother Ray for DeLuxe Records. After that, he toured with singer and pianist Charles Brown.
In 1954, Johnson moved to Los Angeles. There, he became one of the most famous session musicians and recorded with many stars, including Henry Mancini, B.B. King, Johnny Otis, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole.
Source: The Guardian.
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