Jazz musician Plas Johnson, performer of the famous saxophone solo on the theme of “The Pink Panther” and Grammy winner, died on July 15 at the age of 94, Los Angeles radio station KKJZ reported.
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The son of a professional saxophonist, Johnson specialized in jump blues and R&B before becoming a respected session musician, both live and in the studio. He recorded with great figures, including Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand.
@imagen.entretenimiento Jazz and cinema bid farewell to a legend. Plas Johnson, the legendary saxophonist who immortalized the unforgettable theme of “La Pantera Rosa” with his talent, passed away at 94. #PlasJohnson #LaPanteraRosa #ImagenEntretenimiento #LoViEnImagen ♬ sonido original – imagen.entretenimiento
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The celebrated theme from the 1963 film, with Peter Sellers’ iconic portrayal of the clumsy Inspector Jacques Clouseau, was led by Johnson’s saxophone solo.
Henry Mancini composed the melody for Johnson, whose agile style had gained recognition through his work as a member of The Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who were the first choice for producers and record executives.
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In a 2008 documentary about The Wrecking Crew, Johnson stated that it was not uncommon for his work to go uncredited and unpaid. Sometimes the names of session musicians were omitted from records so as not to hurt the egos of band members.
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“Worse than not getting paid for playing on a hit record that sold a million copies was not even having your name on them. And they go and take some white kids fresh out of high school, put them on tour, and call them by the same name,” Johnson said.
Born in Louisiana, Johnson also spent 15 years in the band for Merv Griffin’s show, a popular television talk show.
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