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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…
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