Plas Johnson The Pink Panther Sax Legend | Venice Beach News

Jazz lost a true legend: Plas Johnson, the saxophonist behind the instantly iconic Pink Panther theme, has passed away at 94. More than just that one hit, Johnson was a revered session giant who played with Sinatra, Cole, Gaye, and more, mastering the art of adding magic in just a few bars. A Louisiana-born prodigy shaped by his father and Army service, he became a cornerstone of L.A.’s golden age of studio jazz — part of Mancini’s orchestra and Merv Griffin’s band, later immortalized in “The Wrecking Crew.” His legacy? A sound that still echoes — cool, timeless, and unforgettable. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/78cf50e9f5808a93