Henry Mancini is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of film. He’s won four Academy Awards, twenty Grammys, and a Golden Globe as well as a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy. Born to Italian immigrants, he decided to go into film scoring over the objections of his father, who wanted him to be a teacher.
Mancini wrote so much great music that it’s hard to keep it down to five songs, so this is Part 1 of several (no idea how many, exactly). For those who prefer a playlist, click here.
His Orchestra & Chorus, “Moon River” (lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, 1961)
Andy Williams, “Days Of Wine And Roses” (lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from the 1962 film of the same name)
“Baby Elephant Walk” (lyrics by Hal David, from Hatari!, 1962)
“Experiment In Terror” (from the 1962 film of the same name)
“The Pink Panther Theme” (from The Pink Panther, 1963)
Part 2 next week. That’s Five for Friday, April 7, 2023.
The Sound of One Hand Typing 
Love Mancini and all these works. In The Pink Panther I love the one song where the one lady sings a song while everyone is gathered around the very modern 60s fireplace. Why do all the gals from the 60s look so pretty in a head scarf but when I try and do it, I look like a Babushka!
LikeLike
It’s the Eastern European in you. Mary looks like a Polish grandma when she wears a scarf.
LikeLike
Moon River? Nonpareil.
LikeLike
Hi John – lovely selection of favourites of yore. Elephant Walk is such fun – not sure why there’s a rhino on the front – definitely doesn’t look like an elephant: odd! Cheers and have a peaceful and happy Easter – Hilary
LikeLike
It’s a famous scene where they capture a rhino and John Wayne did the stunt himself! It was not safe in any sense of the word. This song is about 1/2 way through the film where the woman becomes attached to 3 baby elephants and leads them to have a drink and that song was part of it and became a big hit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta love The Pink Panther
LikeLike
I like all of Mancini’s work. Thanks, John
LikeLiked by 1 person
Moon River is one of my all-time favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My parents loved it. Mom said it was “their song.” I think if you were an adult in the early ’60’s and saw “Breakfast At Tiffany’s,” it was your song. Mancini and Mercer outdid themselves on that one.
LikeLike
so hard to pick my fav
LikeLike
I’ll be on Mancini the next couple of weeks, so you don’t have to pick right away. I like them all in varying degrees…
LikeLiked by 1 person