Plas Johnson, ‘Pink Panther’ saxophonist, Grammy winner, dies at 94
Jazz musician Plas Johnson, famous for his iconic tenor saxophone solo on the 'Pink Panther' theme, has passed away at age 94. A prolific session player, Johnson was a key member of The Wrecking Crew and contributed to countless hits for legendary artists.
Why it matters
Johnson's death marks the loss of a significant figure in mid-century American music history and highlights the often-uncredited labor of session musicians.
Jazz musician Plas Johnson, whose silky tenor saxophone played the Grammy-winning "Pink Panther" theme song, died July 15, aged 94, Los Angeles radio station KKJZ reported.
The son of a professional saxophonist, Johnson specialised in jump-blues and R&B before becoming a well-respected live and studio session player who backed many greats — including Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand.
Along with Peter Sellers' legendary comedic performance as bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the 1963 film, Henry Mancini's slinky theme song was led by Johnson's saxophone solo before a full horn section splashed in.
Mancini penned the tune for Johnson, whose nimble style had gained acclaim through his work as a member of The Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who were the first pick of producers and record executives.
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