Plas Johnson, a saxophonist who became one of the most recorded musicians in Hollywood’s studio system, died at age 94. Born in Louisiana and raised in New Orleans, Johnson moved to Los Angeles in 1954, where he quickly established himself as a versatile and reliable session player capable of handling diverse musical styles and instruments.
Johnson’s breakthrough came through his work with composer Henry Mancini on the 1963 film The Pink Panther, where he performed the distinctive tenor saxophone melody that would become the film’s signature theme. The theme was released as a single and reached the US Top 10, becoming his most recognizable contribution to popular music. Mancini specifically chose Johnson for the role, writing in his autobiography that he had pre-cast the musician for his distinctive sound and style.
Over several decades, Johnson appeared on recordings across multiple genres, contributing to pop hits by artists including the Platters, Sam Cooke, and Bobby Day, while also performing on albums by major figures such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and later Linda Ronstadt and Steely Dan. His technical proficiency across multiple saxophone types, as well as flute and clarinet, made him a sought-after contributor for film and television soundtracks. He became a regular performer on the Merv Griffin Show for 15 years and was a favorite among arrangers Nelson Riddle and Billy May.
Johnson did not achieve widespread recognition as a jazz artist until later in his career, when session work declined and he signed with Concord Records. Albums including The Blues (1975) and Positively (1976) received favorable reception, leading to performances at clubs and jazz festivals worldwide. He is survived by his wife Carol, six adult children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
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