Jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson dies at 94

Plas Johnson, the jazz saxophonist whose iconic solo on The Pink Panther Theme became one of the most recognizable sounds in film music, has died at age 94. According to reports from Los Angeles jazz radio station KKJZ, Johnson died on July 15 in Los Angeles.

Johnson's tenor saxophone riff on Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther Theme, recorded for the 1963 film starring Peter Sellers, became a cultural touchstone and earned him a Grammy nomination. The solo was later used in the opening credits of subsequent Pink Panther films and television series, making Johnson's sound familiar to generations of moviegoers.

Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Johnson was a prolific session musician who recorded with Frank Sinatra, BB King, Ray Charles, and many others. He played on countless film scores and television themes, contributing to the soundtracks of Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Odd Couple, and dozens more. His career spanned more than six decades, from the 1940s through the early 2000s.

Johnson's death was first reported by KKJZ, which cited family sources. No cause of death was given. He is survived by his wife and children. The jazz community has begun paying tribute to Johnson's legacy, with fellow musicians noting his distinctive tone and the enduring power of his Pink Panther solo, which remains one of the most sampled and imitated saxophone riffs in popular culture.