Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther

Henry Mancini (Deceased) Henry Mancini (1924–1994) was an American composer, conductor, and arranger best known for creating some of the most memorable film and television music of the 20th century. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Pennsylvania, Mancini studied music before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he worked as an arranger and composer in Hollywood, eventually becoming one of the film industry’s most successful musical figures. Mancini composed the scores for numerous popular movies, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther, Days of Wine and Roses, Charade, and Victor/Victoria. His composition “Moon River,” written with lyricist Johnny Mercer for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, became one of his most famous songs. He also wrote the instantly recognizable “Pink Panther Theme.” For television, Mancini composed the theme for Peter Gunn, which became a major instrumental success. During his career, Mancini won four Academy Awards, numerous Grammy Awards, and a Golden Globe. His music blended jazz, classical, pop, and orchestral styles and helped transform the sound of Hollywood film scoring. Mancini continued composing, recording, and conducting until shortly before his death in 1994.