Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Legendary Saxophonist Plas Johnson Dies at 94
Plas Johnson, a famous saxophonist known for playing the 'Pink Panther' theme, has passed away at the age of 94.
He died at his home in Los Angeles on July 15, just a week before his 95th birthday.
Johnson started playing music when he was very young and worked with many famous singers like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
People who knew him are sharing memories and saying nice things about him.
Some people really liked his early music, but he thought it was not as good as his later work.
He was a very talented musician who made music sound beautiful.
Plas Johnson, renowned saxophonist of the 'Pink Panther' theme, passed away at 94.
Died on July 15, 2024, at his Los Angeles residence.
Born in 1931, he made his professional debut at age 10.
Collaborated with notable artists like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, highlighting his contributions to music.
- Who
- Plas Johnson, a renowned saxophonist
- What
- Passed away at the age of 94
- When
- July 15, 2024
- Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Why
- Natural causes (not specified)
Appreciation of Early Work
Dismissal of Early Work
Early Career
Appreciation of Early Work
Bob Corritore praised Johnson's mid-1950s sides as raw and excellent.
Dismissal of Early Work
Plas Johnson dismissed his early work as primitive and beneath his later jazz eloquence.
- Full Name
- Plas Johnson
- Date of Birth
- 1931
- Date of Death
- July 15, 2024
- Age at Death
- 94
- Notable Work
- The Pink Panther Theme
- Collaborations
- Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee