If you have ever caught yourself tip-toeing across a room while making stealthy instrument sounds, you can thank Plas Johnson. The legendary saxophonist behind one of the most recognisable melodies in entertainment history has passed away at the age of 94.
Johnson died on Wednesday, July 15, at his home in Los Angeles. His children, Eric Johnson and Stephanie Oliver, confirmed his passing and shared that their father was playing music right up until the end, recently performing for fellow residents at his retirement community.
Born in Louisiana in 1931, Johnson got a remarkably early start in the music business. He was already performing professionally by age 10, initially starting as a singer before switching to the saxophone. That choice turned out to be a great decision for music fans everywhere.
While Johnson enjoyed a massive career playing raw, rockin’ jump blues and jazz, his biggest pop culture moment arrived in 1963. Legendary composer Henry Mancini picked Johnson to play the iconic saxophone line for The Pink Panther Theme.
That smooth, mischievous tune did far more than just soundtrack a cartoon movie. It became a global phenomenon. Today, Mancini’s score ranks at No. 20 on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest movie scores of all time.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Record producer Bob Corritore remembered him online as a “musician’s musician” who carried a warm, beautiful tone with him throughout his entire life.
Whether you knew his name or simply grew up imitating his signature sound, Johnson leaves behind a legacy that will be humming in our heads for generations.
