It's curtain call for one of jazz's greatest sons – Plas Johnson, the iconic US saxophonist whose unmistakable tenor saxophone solo stole the show in The Pink Panther Theme, has left us at 94. Just six days shy of his 95th birthday, Johnson's passing on 15 July in Los Angeles' Granada Hills neighbourhood has sent shockwaves through the jazz community.
The collaboration that catapulted him to global stardom remains an unparalleled achievement – recording The Pink Panther Theme with Henry Mancini in 1963. This timeless classic has left a lasting mark, ranking 20th on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest film scores and earning three Grammy awards, not to mention an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score at the 37th Academy Awards.
Johnson's own account of that recording session is as captivating as it is humorous – "We only did two takes, I think. When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players." This anecdote encapsulates his undeniable talent and the electrifying effect he had on those around him.
Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Johnson's musical journey began in humble surroundings, singing with his family before his father introduced him to the soprano saxophone. By 1950, he was already making waves as a recording artist, teaming up with his brother Ray for DeLuxe Records – a partnership that would stay close to his heart throughout his illustrious career.
As he made the move to Los Angeles in 1954, Johnson's reputation as a session musician began to flourish. He went on to collaborate with music legends Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, not to mention BB King, Johnny Otis, and Marvin Gaye. His discography reads like a who's who of jazz royalty – each collaboration showcasing his remarkable ability to elevate recordings with just a few well-placed notes.