The Pink Panther Theme States) in 1964; the single reached the Top 10 on the U.S. "Billboard" adult contemporary chart and won three Grammy Awards. Various recordings of the composition appeared in the opening credits of all "The Pink Panther" films except "A Shot in the Dark" and "Inspector Clouseau". It has also been used in countless works in which the animated Pink Panther appears. "The Pink Panther Theme", composed in the key of E minor, is unusual for Mancini's extensive use of chromaticism. In his autobiography "Did They Mention the Music?" Mancini talked about how he composed the theme music: From 1976 to
Henry Mancini In 1945, he participated in the liberation of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in Austria. Newly discharged, Mancini entered the music industry. Entering 1946, he became a pianist and arranger for the newly re-formed Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by 'Everyman' Tex Beneke. After World War II, Mancini broadened his skills in composition, counterpoint, harmony and orchestration during studies opening with the composers Ernst Krenek and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. In 1952, Mancini joined the Universal Pictures music department. During the next six years, he contributed music to over 100 movies, most notably "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "The Creature Walks Among Us", "It