Saxophonist Plas Johnson, famous for the solo of “The Pink Panther”, died at the age of 94. The American musician collaborated with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Barbra Streisand throughout his career.
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24/07/2026
by
News to Minutes
O jazz musician Plas Johnson, known for being the interpreter of the famous saxophone solo in the opening theme of “The Pink Panther”, died, on 15 July, at the age of 94. The news was advanced by radio KKJZ from Los Angeles and confirmed by family members.
The musician was also the son of a professional saxophonist and specialized in jump blues and R&B before consolidating his career as a studio musician. Throughout his career, he recorded with some of the greatest names of the song, such as Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand.
Plas Johnson was known for the theme composed by Henry Mancini for the 1963 film "The Pink Panther", where at 30 seconds of the melody the famous saxophone solo is heard. The film's soundtrack won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Soundtrack.
The musician died days before completing his 95th birthday at his home in Los Angeles, United States.