American jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson, known for recording with artists like Frank Sinatra and B.B. King, died last week at 94. Johnson’s death was reported in his Louisiana hometown newspaper, the Donaldsonville Chief, and dated July 15. No cause of death was given.
Johnson, who hailed from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, was most famous for his contribution to the “The Pink Panther Theme,” which he recorded in 1963 alongside composer Henry Mancini as part of the soundtrack for Blake Edwards’ comedy film The Pink Panther. The song won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 37th Academy Awards.
“We only did two takes, I think,” Johnson once said of the song, according to the Donaldsonville Chief. “When we finished, everyone applauded, even the string players.”
Throughout his career, Johnson performed on numerous songs, including recordings for the Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Otis, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole. Born on July 21, 1931 in Donaldsonville, Johnson began his musical career singing with his family. His father later bought him a saxophone and he made his recording debut in 1950 alongside his brother Ray for DeLuxe Records. He also toured with singer and pianist Charles Brown.
Johnson moved to Los Angeles in 1954 after his Army service, where he became a prolific session musician. He was a regular in Mancini’s orchestra in the 1950s and 1960s, and began playing in Merv Griffin’s studio band on the Merv Griffin Show in 1970. He was well regarded for his saxphone solos, which often elevated a piece.
“My solos always seemed to bring the record up another notch,” Johnson said. “I could do that in eight bars, I could do that in twelve bars, and I was used to maybe do fills behind the vocalist after that.”
In the 1970s and 1980s, Johnson appeared on recordings by Bette Midler, Carole King, Aaron Neville, Linda Ronstadt, Boz Scaggs, and Rod Stewart. Although he was ostensibly a jazz musican, he often veered into other genres, including rock and pop. More recently, he worked with Joni Mitchell on her 2002 LP, Travelogue.
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As a solo artist, Johnson released several albums and compilations. In 1959 he released This Must Be the Plas! via Capital Records and in 1975 he shared The Blues on Concord Jazz, both well received by critics and fans.
Johnson’s work was documented in 2008 film The Wrecking Crew, a documentary about session musicians working in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s directed by Denny Tedesco. As the film depicts, he left an indelible mark on the music landscape, which was often only celebrated behind the scenes. Johnson will be remembered both for his famous contributions, but also for the many he made that have largely gone unrecognized.
