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Sax Legend Behind Pink Panther Theme Song Dies
22 Jul
Summary
- Saxophonist Plas Johnson, known for 'The Pink Panther' theme, passed away.
- He was 94 and still actively performing music monthly.
- Johnson also played on 'Pet Sounds' and with numerous famous artists.
Plas Johnson, the celebrated saxophonist whose distinctive sound defined the iconic theme for "The Pink Panther," died on July 15 at the age of 94. His children confirmed his passing, stating he died at his Los Angeles home. Johnson, born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, began playing the saxophone at 12 and was a prolific musician throughout his life.
Johnson's career spanned decades, and he settled in Los Angeles in the mid-1950s, becoming a fixture in studio ensembles. He contributed to theme songs for popular television shows such as "The Monkees" and "Mannix."
Beyond his famous "Pink Panther" work, Johnson played with music giants including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. He also performed the piccolo solo on Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin" and contributed to The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album. Johnson was a member of Merv Griffin's house band for 15 years, further cementing his legacy in music history.
