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Sax Legend Plas Johnson, Pink Panther Soloist, Dies at 94

7/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Plas Johnson died on July 15, 2026 at his Granada Hills, Los Angeles residence, aged 94.
His tenor sax solo on “The Pink Panther Theme” was recorded in 1963 with Henry Mancini.
The Pink Panther score ranked 20th on the American Film Institute (AFI) list, won three Grammys and earned an Oscar nomination at the 37th Academy Awards.
He recorded with B.B. King, Frank Sinatra and Marvin Gaye, in 1950 with brother Ray.

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Story summary

Plas Johnson died on July 15, 2026 at his Granada Hills, Los Angeles residence, aged 94.
His tenor sax solo on “The Pink Panther Theme” was recorded in 1963 with Henry Mancini.
The Pink Panther score ranked 20th on the American Film Institute (AFI) list, won three Grammys and earned an Oscar nomination at the 37th Academy Awards.
He recorded with B.B. King, Frank Sinatra and Marvin Gaye, in 1950 with brother Ray.