Saxophonist Plas Johnson, renowned for his iconic solo on The Pink Panther
theme, has died at 94, according to reports from Los Angeles jazz station KKJZ and his hometown newspaper, the Donaldsonville Chief.
Plas Johnson, the jazz saxophonist whose tenor saxophone solo on the 1963 theme to The Pink Panther
became a cultural touchstone, died on 15 July at the age of 94, according to the Los Angeles jazz radio station KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief, his hometown newspaper. Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Johnson passed away in Granada Hills, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed by multiple sources, including social media posts from Louisiana family members identifying themselves as relatives of the musician.
Legacy of a Jazz Pioneer
Johnson’s most enduring contribution to music was his work on The Pink Panther
theme, recorded in 1963 with composer Henry Mancini. The piece, which won three Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination for best original score, was later ranked 20th on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest film scores ever. We only did two takes, I think,
Johnson recalled, according to the Donaldsonville Chief. When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players.
His solo, characterized by its smooth, playful phrasing, became synonymous with the film’s suave, comedic tone.
Career and Early Life
Johnson’s musical journey began in Louisiana, where he grew up singing with his family. His father, a banjo and saxophone player, gifted him a soprano saxophone, sparking his lifelong passion. He made his recording debut in 1950 with his brother, Ray, for DeLuxe Records, later touring with singer Charles Brown. After moving to Los Angeles in 1954, Johnson transitioned from soprano to alto and tenor saxophone, becoming a sought-after session musician. His work with Mancini in the 1950s and 1960s, including his role in Merv Griffin’s studio band from 1970, further solidified his legacy.
Johnson attended Westlake School of Music in Los Angeles after his Army service in 1951. His career spanned decades, with appearances in the 2008 documentary The Wrecking Crew,
which highlighted the collaborative spirit of L.A. session musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. You don’t improve your jazz in the studio. You’re in the studio because of the jazz and blues that you know,
he once said.
Personal Life and Final Days
Johnson’s death occurred six days shy of his 95th birthday, as reported by KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief. While no official cause of death was released, family members shared the news on social media, with one post stating, My cousin Mr Plas Johnson passed away,
followed by “RIP Cuz.”
His career, marked by collaborations with artists like BB King and Johnny Otis, showcased his versatility across genres. Johnson’s early work with his brother and later sessions with Sinatra and Gaye demonstrated his adaptability. He was a favorite live and session player for many midcentury greats, emphasizing his influence on the Los Angeles music scene.
The Pink Panther’s Enduring Impact
The “Pink Panther” theme remains a defining piece of 20th-century popular culture. The track’s recognition by the American Film Institute and its Grammy wins underscore its cultural significance.
Johnson’s legacy lives on through his recordings and the continued appreciation of his artistry. His ability to infuse recordings with “eight bars” or “12 bars” of creativity, as he described, remains a testament to his skill. His nimble, stylish solo on Henry Mancini’s 1963 theme to the police-caper comedy ‘The Pink Panther’ became cultural shorthand for an era of sly jazz panache.
