Plas Johnson, saxophonist behind 'The Pink Panther' theme, dies at 94
The American session musician, whose sultry solo defined Henry Mancini's 1963 score, died July 15 at his Los Angeles home, his children confirmed.
The man behind the melody
Plas Johnson, the American saxophonist whose solo on Henry Mancini's "The Pink Panther Theme" became one of cinema's most recognisable melodies, died on July 15, 2026, at his home in the Granada Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles. He was 94. His children, Eric Johnson and Stephanie Oliver, confirmed the death to The New York Times. The radio station KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief, his hometown newspaper in Louisiana, first reported the news.
A life in music
Born in 1931 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Johnson was the son of a professional saxophonist and largely self-taught. He briefly attended the Westlake School of Music in Los Angeles in the early 1950s but did not complete his studies. In 1950, he made his recording debut alongside his brother, pianist Ray Johnson, and later toured with singer and pianist Charles Brown. The brothers formed the Johnson Brothers band. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Johnson became one of the most sought-after session musicians of his generation, working with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, B.B. King, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gaye, and Elton John, among many others. He was a member of The Wrecking Crew, the loose collective of Los Angeles studio players who shaped countless hit records.
The Pink Panther legacy
In 1963, Henry Mancini composed the theme for Blake Edwards's film "The Pink Panther" with Johnson's saxophone sound specifically in mind. Johnson recorded the now-iconic solo in just two takes. Reflecting on the session, he recalled the reaction in the studio.
When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string section musicians.
The soundtrack earned three Grammy Awards and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. The American Film Institute later ranked it the 20th greatest film score in American cinema history.
Final days
Johnson remained active late in life. According to Belgian broadcaster VRT, he performed at the care facility where he lived just one month before his death. He died six days short of his 95th birthday.
- Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
- Recording debut with brother Ray; toured with Charles Brown.
- Recorded the saxophone solo for Henry Mancini's 'The Pink Panther Theme'.
- Died at home in Los Angeles at age 94.
