Henry Mancini - Biography

Henry Mancini Biography


Henry Mancini, born Enrico Nicola Mancini, (April 16, 1924 – June 14, 1994), was a noted composer and arranger. He is remembered particularly for being one of the most acclaimed composers of music for TV and films, winning a record number of Grammy awards (including a 'Lifetime Achievement' award in 1995). His daughters were educated at Millfield School, Somerset.

Mancini was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and died in Beverly Hills, California. Although he was drafted into the Army during World War Two, Mancini was able get switched from the infantry to the band. The compositions for which he is best known include 'Moon River' (the theme song from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's), and the theme music for the 1963 films The Pink Panther and Charade. He is often accredited with composing the music for the Peanuts movies, the well-known theme Linus and Lucy in particular. However, these songs were composed and performed by another esteemed jazz pianist, Vince Guaraldi. Much of Mancini's work can be classified under the easy listening genre.

Two his earliest scores were for the TV shows, Peter Gunn (1958) and Mr. Lucky (1959).

Selected Songs

  • From Peter Gunn (lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston)
    • 'Peter Gunn Theme'
    • 'Bye Bye'
    • 'The Brothers Go to Mother's'
    • 'Dreamsville'
    • 'Blues for Mother's'
    • 'Sorta Blue'
    • 'Slow and Easy'
  • From The Richard Boone Show (lyrics by Al Stillman)
    • 'How Soon'
  • 'Man's Favorite Sport' (1963) (lyrics by Johnny Mercer)
  • 'I Love You and Don't You Forget It' (1963) (lyrics by Al Stillman)

Selected Movies

External links



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