Plas Johnson, the jazz saxophonist whose tenor saxophone solo became synonymous with The Pink Panther Theme, has died at age 94. He passed away on July 15 in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, according to reports from the local jazz radio station KKJZ.
Johnson was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and died just six days before his 95th birthday. Word of his death spread through social media posts from family members in Louisiana before being confirmed by local outlets including his hometown newspaper, the Donaldsonville Chief.
His most enduring legacy came from a single recording session in 1963. Working with composer Henry Mancini, Johnson laid down the unforgettable saxophonist line that became the signature of The Pink Panther Theme. The moment came together almost effortlessly. "We only did two takes, I think," Johnson recalled years later. "When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players." He added with characteristic humor that such applause from orchestral musicians was rare: "And that's saying something. They never applaud for anything."
The Pink Panther score eventually ranked 20th on the American Film Institute's list of greatest film scores. It captured three Grammy awards and earned a nomination for best original score at the 37th Academy Awards.
Johnson's path to that defining moment began in his Louisiana childhood. His father, a musician who played both banjo and saxophone, introduced young Plas to the instrument by buying him a soprano saxophone. He started his recording career in 1950, debuting alongside his brother Ray for DeLuxe Records, then toured with singer and pianist Charles Brown.
The move to Los Angeles in 1954 transformed Johnson into one of the music industry's most sought-after session musicians. He switched from soprano to alto and tenor saxophone, and his studio work spanned decades and genres. He recorded with some of the biggest names in American music: Frank Sinatra, BB King, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Otis all benefited from his talent.
Johnson understood his power in the studio. "My solos always seemed to bring the record up another notch," he said. "I could do that in eight bars, I could do that in 12 bars and I was used to maybe do fills behind the vocalist after that." That versatility, combined with his distinctive sound, made him invaluable to producers and bandleaders throughout his career.
Author James Rodriguez: "Johnson's Pink Panther solo is one of those rare moments where a single performance transcends its context and becomes permanent pop culture furniture, yet few people ever knew his name."
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