Read, Watch or Listen

LOS ANGELES — Plas Johnson, the American tenor saxophonist whose distinctive, loping sound defined the theme for the 1963 film “The Pink Panther,” died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 94, his children Eric Johnson and Stephanie Oliver confirmed. A leading Hollywood studio musician for decades, Johnson became widely known for his work on the Henry Mancini–written theme, where he recorded an instantly recognizable part that included a solo improvised in the studio and helped give the piece its playful bounce. His performance on the film’s opening credits turned the composition into one of the most familiar and enduring movie themes of all time, cementing his reputation as a first-call saxophonist in the industry. LOS ANGELES — In addition to his landmark contribution to “The Pink Panther,” Johnson built a prolific career as an in-demand session player who backed some of the most prominent vocalists of his era, including Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, on recordings and studio projects. Working largely behind the scenes, he helped shape the sound of countless albums and film scores, bringing a warm, agile tenor tone that made him a favorite among arrangers, bandleaders and producers. Colleagues and collaborators regarded him as a consummate professional whose versatility, improvisational skill and reliability made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and frequently hired studio musicians.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.