A tribute to composer Henry Mancini

Composer Henry Mancini (1924-1994) became famous for his hit theme from the TV detective series "Peter Gunn," and his music for such movies as "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "The Pink Panther." Now, former colleagues, including John Williams and Quincy Jones, are collaborating on an upcoming tribute album featuring some of Mancini's most memorable tunes. Correspondent Tracy Smith visited the recording studio, and talked with Williams, Jones, music producer Gregg Field, and Mancini's daughters, Felice and Monica, about honoring a Hollywood legend.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@evancortez2]

Henry Mancini, John Williams, John Barry, Lalo Schifrin, Bill Conti, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith - the soundtrack of my life was composed by these brilliant men

[@Gioagla]

You also should look for Syd Dale and Werner Tautz ..you ll like em

[@lacazadoradelmal7578]

Francis lai

[@1genesisshapesfan]

Don't forget Ennio Morricone

[@larryshackley8074]

I know two guys who belonged to his band decades ago, and they have nothing but good things to say about him. He treated his band members with care and respect.

[@romstar]

Moon River has to be one of the greatest romantic themes ever composed 😭😭🤗🤗😘😘so melancholy and sweeping,yet simple and touching at the same time 💕❤️🥰😭😭 I could watch the opening scene from Breakfast At Tiffany's a million times and never get tired of seeing Audrey Hepburn in that stunning black gown, on a completely deserted New York street, adorned in a lovely pearl 🦪 necklace while munching on a treat 😘😘I don't think they can ever shoot a scene like that again without CGI 😩🥴🤫🎥🎥🍿

[@lisamcdonald1820]

I agree. I also love the scene when she sings Moon River - my favorite version of that song. Mancini wrote the song in a scale that Audrey could sing. I don't know much about the "mechanics" of music, but I think that made the song even better.

[@romstar]

@@lisamcdonald1820 my favorite version, too!😁😆😇

[@ArtworksbyNet]

Moon River is my go to karaoke song because it is a very easy song to sing

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

It's my favorite song too + the Pink Panther. I was in Bogota Colombia in Jan 2013, at a bar, some trumpet 🎺 guy suddenly played the Pink Panther, I had to stay until he finished the music! A current French singer who has the talent at this level name Zaz, her music,her voice is very unique, she's more jazz and half pop. Her song about a rainy day and the other on Parisian life with painting animated illustration are so beautiful, do lok her up, with key word ZAZ, French artist ☺️

[@bryanj7063]

Thanks for the Zaz tip…❤

[@mililaniman]

I love the Peter Gunn theme and the Pink Panther theme. I also love "Moon River". Mancini's music is so memorable.

[@lrod8721]

So much talent in one room honoring one of the greatest ❤

[@Juliaflo]

The 'Peter Gunn' theme is, in my opinion, the standard by which television theme songs are measured.

[@lisamcdonald1820]

It is a great theme. What I get a kick out of is that I was too young to watch the show, but I know the theme. 🤔

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Quincy Jones is amazing.

[@pamelabretschneider3780]

I have to honestly say that the opening dialogue for any show is the music. It speaks for itself. In my youth, the musical score for silver screen productions & TV shows (and prime time movies) were brought to life…. thanks to Henry Mancini & others, of course. Mr. Mancini and Johnny Williams are a match made in Heaven. And the world is a beautiful place because of them…. ♥️

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Well said ❤

[@pamelamays4186]

When I was in elementary school back in the sixties and seventies, The Pink Panther Theme was a staple of band class.

[@markberryhill2715]

All of us of a certain age loved it , but like an old worn out love song,it's the one I can stand to do without.

[@ilovegoodsax]

I remember those elementary/junior high band days back in the early 70s. My school had a yearly band show and each year a skit was built around the Pink Panther theme song.

[@markberryhill2715]

@@ilovegoodsax Pink Panther(the cartoon) was about as seventies as you could get. The PP image was everywhere.

[@gregpaspatis9425]

Little known fact about the Pink P. theme was the studio saxophone player performing on the track was the legendary Plas Johnson, who was a part of the collective group of west coast studio musicians who would eventually go on to be nicknamed the "Wrecking Crew". Plas Johnson offered his memories of the P.P. theme and his other studio work in a late 1990s period interview included in the Wrecking Crew movie documentary available for free on You Tube.

[@scottkirby8204]

Henry Mancini was the composer who got me started on 60 years of collecting film scores, starting at age 13 with The Pink Panther and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I went on to collect dozens of his scores, Peter Gunn included, and hundreds by other composers. But Mr. Mancini will always have a special place in my heart because it was his music that set me on that journey. Thanks, Hank.

[@debbabe2254]

💯

[@williamwilke1944]

Me too.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

TOUCH OF EVIL...the wonderful cha cha music in the beginning of that long tracking shot....it was perfect. At the end of the film, a sweet tinkly player piano waltz....Mancini was unknown back then...

[@donaldvonburen5932]

In 1979 I visited LA. Met a guy who was a house painter. I asked him did he ever paint a house for a famous person . Instantly he said, Henry Mancini. Nicest person he's ever worked for and very generous.

[@aprilmiles3561]

The theme song from “Newhart”, and “Love is Blue”. How could you forget those two? 🥰

[@timmmahhhh]

Andre Popp composed Love Is Blue, but yes Mancini did Newhart not to be confused with The Bob Newhart Show.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Video gives goosebumps. He was that good. Mancini the icon.

[@0824martina]

Two for the Road is enchanting. And the fact that it is so underrated has made its existence even more ethereal.

[@joeblow9210]

Bravo, fantastic composer, loved all his music since childhood.

[@chrisfinch8637]

Henry Mancini’s scores for some of Blake Edwards’ romantic comedies and dramas, were some of the best pieces to listen to, in his time on earth. “It’s easy to say” to him…..I love you, but most importantly, I miss you. Bless you, Henry! 🕊️🎶🎹

[@MsKitcloudkicker]

This made my day. FASCINATING and LEGENDARY!! Peter Gunn theme is contagious. I’m 38 and was a band kid, and my parents are from the 50s would play classics like Henry. Didn’t know he passed in 1994. This touched my soul!!! More than I can describe here. Johnny Williams! Bless Henry, the legends in this video, and his whole family and friends ❤🎉

[@donstewart6000]

As a songwriter it world be a Dream to write a song like Moon River 🌙 Henry was a real deal genius 👏 🙌 And Most of His compositions we know Another particular favorite is The Thornbirds Theme His sense of melody and style is unmatched

[@chrisfinch8637]

It’s Easy to Say and He Pleases Me, from Blake Edwards’ “10”, were some beautiful pieces to ever listen to, while being sung by Julie Andrews and Dudley Moore (IEtS).

[@tarian1287]

I am so blessed to have seen all these scores live on in classic movies and tv shows.

[@ArtworksbyNet]

That's awesome. Can't wait for the album to come out. They don't make guys like Henry Mancini anymore. I hope that younger generations will learn to appreciate his music.

[@jonathanwhite3731]

Excellent tribute to Henry Mancini, as well as the great artists of our time joining forces to honor his work. I can't wait for the new album! Love that Johnny Williams!

[@dmntuba]

Thanks, Hank! Thanks for all the incredible music...the soundtracks to our lives👍

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Henry Mancini he was and still is back in the day a COOL CAT!

[@sweetbermudaonions60]

His music takes me back to my parents who had an extensive record collection. From Caruso on to The Beatles...I remember reading the album jacket for the Music from Peter Gunn and then watching the tv show.

[@106andie]

I love Henry Mancini’s work, he and John Williams 🙌🏼

[@steveconn]

Love Mancini. Pink Panther theme immortal (think he played at my mom's HS graduation).

[@zorkwork3841]

I grew up listening to Henry..Mr Lucky was afavorite..loved the album cover too.Henry was a very talented man.

[@zorkwork3841]

Of Course Peter Gun..and another great album cover

[@nancydillon5333]

It's odd that Sunday Morning didn't mention the Mancini song that Henry Mancini himself had said was his favorite of all his work. But almost all of us who loved his work found his answer surprising when he said it was TWO FOR THE ROAD. Can't wait for this album for us to give to everyone from age 10 to 103.

[@davanmani556]

Love that movie and soundtrack.

[@mauricioduron3193]

So VERY pleased to learn of this. Maurice Binder's opening credits come on and tears begin to pour uncontrolably. every Time.

[@theherbiebrown]

He was a great composer. I fell in love with "Lujon" after hearing it in the movie "W.E."

[@snowbirdlady8496]

I've always loved Henry Mancini's music. In 1977, David Rose's daughter married a very close friend of my boyfriend and we were invited to the reception at the Beverly Hilton. The bride was beautiful, the champagne and dinner were incredible, and the music was the very best - Henry Mancini and orchestra. Such a memory!

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

Raised on Henry Mancini. The soundtrack of my life...

[@cellpat2686]

This is history that simply cannot be made up. Henry was a man we all owe a lot to for his fantastic music and who remembered his friends when they needed work, and he needed them. And his friends today are living legends thanks to him. RIP Henry Mancini. wow.

[@hishamelbatawi3014]

He gave. Happiness, pleasure and fun to humanity ❤

[@TaylorHatchMusic]

This video inspires me so much. Especially on what would have been Hank’s 99th birthday today. Beautiful tribute!

[@evonnemccausland3531]

Moon River was the first song I ever sang in public. Love Henry Mancini's music 🎵🎶 !!!

[@brianholihan5497]

It's not one of his better known albums, but I love "Mr. Lucky Goes Latin." It's full of dreamy, romantic songs that transport me into the heavens.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Lujon - a wonderful, dreamy number!

[@Memo2Self]

I don't know where I read this, but it was not intended to be a sequel to the "Mr. Lucky" LP. Mancini had recorded a Latin-themed album and RCA said, "Could you possibly..." So he re-arranged his famous theme and voila! Sequel! None of the songs, including "Lujon" ("Slow Hot Wind"), were actually composed for the single-season TV series.

[@sclogse1]

HUGE FAN.

[@brianholihan5497]

@@Memo2Self You're probably right. Some of the Mr. Lucky songs sound gimmicky. They evoke some of the characters in and moods of the series. But every song on MLGL is a stand-alone--savory without referring to anything outside the music. This is a great, and vastly underappreciated album.

[@Boertje247]

I was 9 when I heard the haunting, evocative instrumental “The Days of Wine and Roses”. I begged my dad to buy the album, but it was $5.99! Our budget didn’t stretch to luxuries like that, but a local DJ loved it and played it so often, so I was somewhat appeased. When I grew up, I moved to El Lay, and got to hear Henry Mancini at the Hollywood Bowl twice. What beautiful, timeless music! I got to meet his wife Ginny through charity endeavors, and they were both extremely nice, humble, and encouraging to any and every one they both worked with. At one event, Henry Mancini was the “entertainment” and afterwards, all the big stars and execs were coming up to him and genuinely gushing how much 5hey enjoyed his music, and he seemed almost embarrassed! So very humble in a town of towering egos. As a young career woman in my 20’s, I finally watched “The Days of Wine and Roses”, and even today, nearly 50 years later, the poignancy of that movie with stellar performances by Jack Lemon and Lee Remick, paired with the sweetly anguished theme song still brings a tear to my eye. Wonderful composer, wonderful man.

[@sclogse1]

I never saw a soundtrack for Days. Maybe a collection of Mancini.

[@Boertje247]

@@sclogse1 see the movie, “Days of Wine and Roses”. Best indictment against alcohol addiction.

[@VictoriaN72]

❤❤❤ childhood revisited! Wow!

[@brandonio_granger]

I proudly own no less than 30 Mancini albums in my collection.

[@garycarpenter2980]

I just love his music 🎵🎶 especially the Pink Panther theme

[@yolandaneely6431]

He was an international talent!!

[@laurencaulton103]

That is a master class in music, with Q in charge. Great music endures.

[@joe-vl3nd]

One of the Greats 👍🇬🇧

[@adelaferreira4575]

One of the greatest composer of his generation !

[@traciberry5141]

My mother had all these Henry Mancini albums, listened entire childhood and had no idea the great John Williams was his piano player

[@Gioagla]

Fantastic Mancini...❤ Great work guys 🥂💪❤😊

[@markegan2480]

You have so much talent in that studio room to honor the master

[@deacondavis5098]

Can’t wait for the recording!!!!

[@loririlling2538]

Stunning! 💗

[@mariefortunato4737]

Just loved his music!

[@GuamPhotographer]

i can’t wait for that album!!

[@loufuddrucker391]

Dear heart. The song i remember.

[@kimarajamison6951]

A Shot in the Dark is one of my favorites.

[@jwelch5742]

Arturo Sandoval won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Dramatic Underscore) - For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story. Herbie Hancock won an Academy Award for Best Original Score - Round Midnight. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Victor/Victoria has great music score.

[@babybro70]

Wow! I have the Peter Gunn album, didn't know it won the 1st Grammy Nice!

[@arnoldaguilar8704]

My Dad's small collection of long playing records included that of Henry Mancini 's. I was about 14 or 15 then. (I'll be 61 in 3 months). Papa and Mama, please enjoy the music in heaven. We miss you both.

[@manguera9]

Henrry Mancini was Donald Fagen, Walter Becker (steely dan) favorite composer, one of my favorites songs of Mancini was "Lujon""moment to moment" i loved the way he arranged for strings

[@sandrasanders706]

The Peter Gunn soundtrack was the biggest selling TV soundtrack until Miami Vice Soundtrack outsold it in 1984. Mancini sent a letter of congrats to Jan Hammer who composed the MV theme.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

I made it a point, upon becoming a paid member of the KZbin Music app, of having downloaded THE ESSENTIAL HENRY MANCINI collection. So many great movie and television soundtracks. Funny enough, my favorite from each category was a Mancini original. For TV themes, it will always be WHAT'S HAPPENING! Yup, that circus-like theme with the trampoline backbeat was written by Mr. Mancini. As for films, it's a theme released before his classic Pink Panther. About 3 years earlier, he scored a very ominous opening theme for the thriller EXPERIMENT IN TERROR. Definitely a nighttime vibe that reminds you to lock your doors and windows!

[@mikeinkc]

Williams was a piano student of the great Rosina Lhevinne (teacher of Van Cliburn, and many others) and she encouraged Williams to keep arranging and composing. Lhevinne knew talent when she saw it!

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏 Enrico Nicola Mancini 16 April 1924 ~ 14 June 1994⚘

[@naylorbroughton1159]

Love Mancini!!!!

[@johntiggleman4686]

Wonderful segment on Mr. Mancini. I have about 30 of his albums. Our late special needs son loved The Pink Panther theme. Will be looking to buy that album when it comes out.

[@kittymarch4203]

the goat

[@williamwilke1944]

Wonderful memories from each theme Henry Mancini wrote. Peter Gunn, Mr. Lucky and the movie scores. So likable and easy to hear and hum. Disney Hall has a staircase named for him. We walk up them to hear all the great composers in a magic place.

[@kdstuf]

I remember hearing Lujon in The Big Lebowski. Great track

[@sclogse1]

In that amazing house.

[@loriholman1459]

Loved him❣️

[@richiejohnson]

Moon River will flow forever. We miss you, Holly 💋

[@CapnBlood]

Wow! what truly everlasting music. Sign me up! Thank you, Henri Mancini, "Hank" : )

[@rayisland23]

Growing up there was alot of Henry's 33 1/3 LP's playing in the house

[@MCOult]

As a child, I always watched "Peter Gunn," probably as much for the theme song and music as for the show itself. Back in the late '90s my wife and I were lucky enough to get tickets for one of Mr. Mancini's final performances, on a double bill with another musical miracle: Johnny Mathis. It was pure magic.

[@FredPickett]

There will never be another Henry Mancini.

[@jc2333]

Henry is a icon .

[@TheCoolhanddan83]

I always loved Experiment In Terror, memorizing track!

[@Memo2Self]

Henry Mancini was - and remains - my musical hero, from age 8! The most thrilling part of this project to me is John Williams' participation. To my knowledge, after he decided to exclusively concentrate on film composing, he never played jazz piano again (unlike, say, Andre Previn). My favorite Mancini album of all time is "Combo!" from 1960 - where Williams plays jazz harpsichord (a harpsichord solo on "Tequila"!). Cannot wait for this album!

[@joebradio]

What no love for the NBC Nightly News theme from 1978

[@KBWeeds]

Seriously tears & chills!! Such an amazing tribute to Henry Mancini and those who were touched by him. #SpyHunter

[@vkaras6591]

The best!

[@Ter2721-y8u]

Awesome!!!!

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

Is is so important to recognize that their are great people making change for the good of humans in this world ❤❤❤❤ thank you for so many treasures ESPECIALLY for Moon River!!!!!!!

[@sickheadache9903]

It was Johnny Towner Williams who played on the Original Peter Gunn Soundtrack ..Johnny T was on the piano!

[@sandrasanders706]

That familiar piano intro. Plus Williams composed the Lost in Space (both themes) and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (as Johnny Williams of course).

[@rucksackzen]

“Moon River” is in the top five of the greatest songs ever written, for sure.

[@phillipleboa5251]

STUNNING !!!!! XOXXOXOXO

[@robertroberto2487]

Herby Hancock, Quincy Jones, Johnny Williams,Owe There Career To Hank. RIP.

[@josephpendleton4927]

I want to point out that Henry Mancini's rejected score for Frenzy is now available. My videos with Mancini's rejected score added to the film can be seen at Vimeo and Veoh. I love the scores of Bernard Herrmann and Henry Mancini.

[@MarkCerbo]

It may sound childish for most but the Pink Panther theme resonates a lot for everyone who knew that beat.

[@sdhscrosscountry]

Wonderful time in music.

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Wow! Essentially Henry Mancini and John Williams in the same band!

[@sickheadache9903]

My Favorite Henry Mancini scores are..Moon River, Lifeforce, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Sunflower, Charade, NBC Mystery Movies, Victor Victoria.

[@navidhendrix]

This!! ♥♥

[@msme7674]

One cool cat! Thank you, sir, for the great music!

[@glennawhiteman742]

My mom had his Christmas albums, she played them every Christmas. His family was on the cover.😀

[@josephpendleton4927]

Henry Mancini's rejected score for Frenzy is now available. My videos with Mancini's rejected score added to the film can be seen at Vimeo and Veoh.

[@sclogse1]

Mancini was IT for me in the 60's..I learned to pay attention to details from him. Mixing, arranging, experimenting. It wasn't the Pink Panther theme that got me going, it was the opening titles of Charade, the pulsing chase subway chase in same, the theme to Experiment In Terror, Mr. Lucky Goes Latin, the mysterious Arabesque, the impossible to find for decades Touch Of Evil soundtrack, and, of course, the quality of his musicians. John Williams on keyboard...then came Miles Davis, Mingus, Weather Report, and Tom Waits.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*Trumpet 'voluntary 'blows How It's Done'* ( *Side-musician "SHOW OFF!" from somewhere* ) *That kinda' stuff is PRICELESS!*

[@cocoaorange1]

Monica has a beautiful voice as well.

[@andreaoliverio5451]

Always loved Henry, John, and Quincy- the best of the best! The theme from the movie” 10” is still one of my favorites. Tariqh Akoni is pretty darn great too and would love for him to get Josh Groban to consider recording it.

[@jojopuppyfish]

He scored Orson Welles "Touch of Evil". Mancini said they only met once

[@xelamercedes]

Mind boggling the amount of talent and expertise highlighted in one short video. Who will the companion video feature in the year 2054?

[@manofiske3318]

'..covered with hair, by the way', announces Williams to interviewer, Smith with regard to the former state of his scalp i.e., as it appeared in his relative youth at the original sessions A bit of generous self assessment.. it should be noted - as Williams is clearly exhibiting signs of significant hair-loss at this particular stage 2:00 The thinning one observes here indicates that the classic ''male-pattern balding'' process is well under way