Plas Johnson death at age 94 marks the end of an era for jazz and film music lovers worldwide. The saxophonist, best known for his unforgettable solo on The Pink Panther Theme, passed away on July 15 in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, according to reports from KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief.
Johnson’s signature tenor saxophone riff in the 1963 Henry Mancini composition became one of the most recognizable instrumental hooks in cinema history. The Pink Panther score won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 37th Academy Awards.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Plas Johnson began his musical journey singing with his family. His father, a banjo and saxophone player, bought him a soprano saxophone. Johnson made his recording debut in 1950 alongside his brother Ray for DeLuxe Records.
After touring with singer-pianist Charles Brown, Johnson switched from soprano to alto and then tenor saxophone. He moved to Los Angeles in 1954, where he became a highly sought-after session musician.
Career Highlights and Collaborations
Johnson recorded with an extraordinary roster of artists besides Henry Mancini, including BB King, Johnny Otis, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole. He once said, “My solos always seemed to bring the record up another notch. I could do that in eight bars.”
| Artist | Notable Collaboration |
|---|---|
| Henry Mancini | The Pink Panther Theme (1963) |
| Frank Sinatra | Various sessions (1960s) |
| Marvin Gaye | Studio recordings |
| BB King | Blues sessions |
| Nat King Cole | Pop and jazz recordings |
The Pink Panther Solo: A Musical Legacy
About the iconic session, Johnson recalled: “We only did two takes, I think. When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players. And that’s saying something … They never applaud for anything.” The theme was later ranked 20th on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest film scores.
His contribution to that single piece cemented his place in pop culture history. The Pink Panther Theme has been played at countless events and continues to be a staple of classic film music.
Key Takeaways
- Plas Johnson died at age 94 on July 15 in Granada Hills, California.
- He was best known for the tenor saxophone solo in Henry Mancini’s The Pink Panther Theme.
- Johnson had a prolific session career, working with legends like Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, and BB King.
- He switched from soprano to alto and tenor saxophone before moving to Los Angeles in 1954.
- His solo on the Pink Panther Theme was completed in just two takes, earning applause from the orchestra.
FAQ
What was Plas Johnson best known for?
Plas Johnson was best known for his tenor saxophone solo on Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther Theme, recorded in 1963.
When did Plas Johnson die?
He died on July 15 at the age of 94 in Granada Hills, Los Angeles.
Which other artists did Plas Johnson record with?
Johnson recorded with Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, BB King, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Otis, among others.
How many takes did the Pink Panther Theme require?
According to Johnson, the iconic solo was completed in only two takes, after which the orchestra applauded.
Plas Johnson’s influence on jazz and film music remains immense. His seamless phrasing and emotive tone inspired generations of saxophonists. His death closes a chapter on a golden age of session musicianship, but his music will live on forever.
For more on iconic musicians and celebrity news, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com.
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