Plas Johnson, Saxophonist on 'Pink Panther Theme,' Dies at 94

American jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson, renowned for his iconic solo on "The Pink Panther Theme," has passed away at the age of 94, as confirmed by his children to The New York Times. His timeless saxophone performance for the 1963 film "The Pink Panther" brought him widespread recognition, though he was already a respected figure in the jazz community. The theme music, composed by Henry Mancini, was later incorporated into the popular "Pink Panther" animated series. The American Film Institute ranked the score 20th on its list of the greatest film music of all time, and the soundtrack garnered three Grammy Awards, with a 1965 Oscar nomination for Best Original Music Score.

Johnson, who grew up in Louisiana, recalled recording "The Pink Panther Theme" in just two takes, noting the rare applause from the entire studio, including the string section, upon completion. His musical journey began with singing, inspired by his father, a banjo and saxophone player. At age 12, he received his first soprano saxophone, later mastering alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, as well as the clarinet and flute. In the late 1940s, he formed the Johnson Brothers with his pianist brother Ray, releasing their first record in 1950 and touring with R&B singer Charles Brown in 1951.

Relocating to Los Angeles in 1954, Johnson established himself as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with legendary artists such as B.B. King, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, and Elton John. He emphasized that studio work was a result of his existing jazz and blues proficiency, not a place to develop it. Reflecting on his extensive club performances, he mentioned learning approximately 5,000 songs and playing for diverse audiences, whose dancing and movement served as their applause. Johnson's final performance occurred less than a month before his death on July 15 in Los Angeles, just six days shy of his 95th birthday, at the senior living facility where he resided.