Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Henry Mancini's life took a dramatic turn when his family relocated to Pennsylvania, where his youthful passion for music led him to play the flute in a local band. This early exposure to music sparked a creative flame that would burn brightly throughout his life. As a young musician, Mancini sent some of his arrangements to the renowned Benny Goodman, who was so impressed that he offered him a job.
Following his stint with Goodman, Mancini's music career took a significant turn when he joined the rearranged Glenn Miller band after serving in World War II. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in the film industry, as he went on to work on a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello film at Universal Studios in 1952.
The success of The Glenn Miller Story in 1954 marked a significant milestone in Mancini's career, allowing him to score many other films and, in the process, revolutionize the style of film background music by incorporating jazz elements into traditional orchestral arrangements. His innovative approach earned him a staggering 18 Academy Award nominations and four wins, in addition to 20 Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards.
Mancini's extensive collaborations with director Blake Edwards resulted in some of his most iconic works, including the television series Peter Gunn and the film Breakfast at Tiffany's, which won him two Oscars. He also won Oscars for the title song of Days of Wine and Roses and the score of Victor/Victoria, and will be forever remembered for his iconic theme tune for The Pink Panther. Throughout his illustrious career, Mancini composed over 50 albums, had 500 works published, and left an indelible mark on the world of music.
