Plas Johnson, the legendary jazz saxophonist who played the iconic solo on The Pink Panther Theme, has died at age 94. Known for that unforgettable tenor sax riff, Johnson passed away on July 15 in Granada Hills, California. His death marks the end of an era for jazz and film music lovers worldwide.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Johnson started singing with his family before picking up the soprano saxophone his father gave him. He made his recording debut in 1950 alongside his brother Ray on DeLuxe Records. After touring with Charles Brown, Johnson switched to alto and tenor saxophones and moved to Los Angeles in 1954.
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The Pink Panther Theme: A Legendary Session
In 1963, Johnson recorded the memorable solo for Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther Theme. The session required only two takes. Johnson later joked, “We only did two takes, I think. When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players.” The score won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar. It remains one of the most recognizable film themes in history.
A Career as a First-Call Session Musician
Johnson's talent made him a go-to session player. He recorded with a who's who of music, including BB King, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Otis. His solos added a special spark; as he said, “My solos always seemed to bring the record up another notch.”
| Artist | Notable Collaboration | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Mancini | The Pink Panther Theme | 1963 |
| BB King | Various sessions | 1960s |
| Frank Sinatra | Studio recordings | 1960s |
| Marvin Gaye | Session work | 1960s |
| Nat King Cole | Recordings | 1950s |
Key Takeaways
- Plas Johnson's solo on The Pink Panther Theme is one of the most famous in film history.
- He recorded with legendary artists across genres, from jazz to pop.
- His career spanned from the 1950s through the 1960s golden age of session music.
- Johnson remained a proud Louisiana native and was remembered by family and fans.
FAQ
When did Plas Johnson die?
Plas Johnson died on July 15 at age 94 in Granada Hills, California, according to reports from KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief.
What is Plas Johnson most famous for?
He is best known for his tenor saxophone solo on Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther Theme, recorded in 1963.
Which other artists did Plas Johnson record with?
He recorded with BB King, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, Johnny Otis, and many others during his session career.
Where was Plas Johnson born?
He was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
Plas Johnson's legacy lives on through his timeless work. For more celebrity news and tributes, visit GrandGoldman.com.
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