Plas Johnson, the renowned saxophonist whose distinctive tenor saxophone helped define the iconic 1963 film theme for *The Pink Panther*, died on July 15 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 94. His children, Eric Johnson and Stephanie Oliver, confirmed his passing and noted that he had performed at his retirement community just a month before his death.
Johnson’s career spanned several decades and genres, encompassing 1950s rock ’n’ roll hits, television theme songs, and sessions with major recording artists. However, his most celebrated work remains the memorable opening melody of *The Pink Panther*, composed by Henry Mancini for Blake Edwards’ comedy featuring Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Johnson’s tenor saxophone voice imbued the theme with a slinky, seductive quality that also conveyed a playful sense of mischief.
The collaboration between Mancini and Johnson predated *The Pink Panther*, as the two had previously worked together on the *Peter Gunn* television series theme. That score earned the first-ever Grammy Award for Album of the Year. According to Mancini, he composed *The Pink Panther* theme with Johnson’s distinctive sound and style in mind, citing his frequent practice of writing music tailored to specific musicians.
Johnson recalled that the *Pink Panther* recording session, held early on a cold winter morning, was notably efficient. Only two takes were needed, and the performance drew applause even from typically reserved string players. The theme went on to achieve commercial success, entering the Top 10 in adult contemporary charts and winning three Grammys, including Best Instrumental Arrangement.
Born Plas John Johnson Jr. on July 21, 1931, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, he grew up in a musical family. His parents performed regularly along the bayous, and he was given his first saxophone at age 12. He mastered multiple woodwind instruments, including alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, as well as clarinet and flute. Prior to settling in Los Angeles in the 1950s, Johnson played blues, jazz, and bebop in New Orleans and toured with R&B singer Charles Brown before serving in the U.S. Army, where he performed in a military band.
In Los Angeles, Johnson became one of the first Black musicians to secure steady studio work in film and recording sessions. He was an adaptable member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned group of studio musicians, contributing to a wide range of projects such as Bobby Day’s 1958 hit “Rockin’ Robin,” the Beach Boys’ 1966 album *Pet Sounds*, and Nicolette Larson’s 1979 Top 10 song “Lotta Love.” He also maintained an active live jazz career and released numerous albums under his own name.
Beyond the studio, Johnson spent 15 years performing with the band of TV host Merv Griffin and played in jazz ensembles led by Frank Capp and Gene Harris. In 2006, he recorded a new rendition of the *Pink Panther* theme for a film remake starring Steve Martin.
Johnson was married twice. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Johnson; children Eric Johnson, Stephanie Oliver, Philip Nunn, and three others from his first marriage; along with eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.