2024 the centennial of the birth of Enrico Mancini

[edwin drood]

Enrico Nicola "Henry" Mancini was born in Maple Heights Ohio in 1924. Arguably the greatest composer of film and TV themes ever. Not as prolific as John Williams but in my opinion more memorable. This first theme was a big radio hit in 1958, the theme for the Blake Edwards NBC TV drama, Peter Gunn. (Also popularized by Dan Akroyd and John Belushi)

https://youtu.be/oysMt8iL9UE?si=9rzKWNLMzCK5V-sE

Another Blake Edwards project explored the effects of alcohol on a young, average couple, with Lee Remick and Jack Lemon (best actor Oscar). Days of Wine and Roses.

https://youtu.be/vi0TullZ-p4?si=g3OhIOIyMU-Jx6CJ

A song that's been covered close to 1000 times. Mancini's wife said it took a month the settle on the first 3 notes.Written with a limited tonal range to match Audrey Hepburn's limited vocal range. From Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's, Moon River.
Lyric by Johnny Mercer

https://youtu.be/uirBWk-qd9A?si=qMVR3o7xhJZ-Kf5O

Perhaps his most recognized song, played by jazz bands to marching bands. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who couldn't name that tune after 10 notes. Yet another Blake Edwards project.

https://youtu.be/Vh7S85Iks5o?si=aU7VU8d4kqMvf3g4