Introduction
“Peter Gunn” was composed by Henry Mancini for the television show of the same name, and the theme song was released in 1959.
Why You Should Listen
According to Wikipedia, the “Peter Gunn” theme derives more from rock and roll than from jazz, but to me, it sounds more like jazz music.
The finale is especially gorgeous and powerful.
Highlights
- Instrumental tune
- Jazz-like sound
- Gorgeous playing in the finale
About the Song
“Peter Gunn” was composed by Henry Mancini for the television show of the same name, and the theme song was released in 1959.
It was also included on the original soundtrack album.
Henry Mancini won an Emmy Award and two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Arrangement.
In 2005, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
About the Artist
Henry Mancini (born Enrico Nicola Mancini) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, pianist, and flutist.
He is especially known for composing film and television music.
His first studio album, The Versatile Henry Mancini, was released by Liberty Records in 1957.
He continued releasing albums almost every year until 1978.
His first hit single, “Mr. Lucky”, was composed and recorded by him and released in 1960. It peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 20 on the Cash Box chart.
His No. 1 hit single, “Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet”, was released in 1969. However, the song was actually composed by Nino Rota, not by Henry Mancini.
He continued releasing singles until 1977.
Conclusion
Henry Mancini became one of America’s greatest film music composers.
Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.