Plas Johnson played some of the most familiar saxophone notes of the twentieth century: the slinking intro to Henry Mancini's "Pink Panther Theme." First through the film, then through the airwaves, and now through decades of reruns of the Pink Panther cartoons, Plas Johnson's playing has seeped into the grey matter of millions, without one in ten thousand knowing his name.

Johnson was a favorite of Capitol star, Les Baxter, who wrote solos specially for him on African Jazz and Tamboo!. He also provided many of the smoky sax fills that became such a standard part of the orchestral accompaniments for vocalists in those days, recording with Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, and Frank Sinatra.

Johnson's reputation made him a first-call player for almost twenty years. He maintained a hectic pace, usually averaging two sessions a day, playing everything from movie soundtracks to rock-n-roll singles. He was one of the crew of studio aces Brian Wilson used on most of the great Beach Boy records, and Ernie Freeman included Johnson on the many rock-oriented sessions he arranged. Neal Hefti used Johnson and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison on his wonderful theme to the television series, The Odd Couple. Johnson's sax was an integral part of a number of rock groups that existed in name only, such as B. Bumble and the Stingers and the Mar-Ketts. Ironically, Johnson's busy schedule meant that he played on only the first few "Pink Panther" cartoons.
Source: Space Age Pop