The Pink Panther (1963 film) Mancini, performed by his orchestra. In 2001, the soundtrack album was awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. In 2005, the score was listed at #20 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores. The distinctive tenor saxophone of Plas Johnson is heard on the main title theme music. Bibliography The Pink Panther (1963 film) The Pink Panther is a 1963 American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and co-written by Edwards and Maurice Richlin, starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale. The film introduced the cartoon character of the same name, in an opening credits sequence
Johnny's Theme Tonight Show" was called "the last widely public big-band forum". Incoming bandleader Branford Marsalis composed a more "funky" theme for successor Jay Leno because "a swing tune doesn't reflect Jay at all [and] jazz doesn't come to mind either." Henry Mancini and his orchestra recorded a arrangement of "Johnny's Theme" in 1972 for the German EP "Theme from Nicholas and Alexandra". A version also appeared as part of Mancini's 2010 compilation "Big Screen, Little Screen". Paul Anka produced a recording by Top Brass for Buddah Records in 1973. Lawrence Welk and his orchestra performed the song for their 1976 album