Henry Mancini

Date of Birth: April 16, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 14, 1994

Biography

Henry Mancini, born Enrico Nicola Mancini, was a prolific American composer, conductor, and arranger best known for his film and television scores. He was born on April 16, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in the steel town of West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. At a young age, he began learning the piccolo and piano and later took up the flute. He attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City but was drafted into the Army during World War II. After his service, he finished his education and began working for Universal Pictures, where he honed his skills in film composition. Mancini’s breakthrough came with his work on the television series “Peter Gunn,” for which he composed the iconic theme. This success was followed by a string of hits, including the scores for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “The Pink Panther,” and “Days of Wine and Roses.” Over his career, Mancini won four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards, making him one of the most celebrated composers in the industry. He passed away on June 14, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Mancini

1. Henry Mancini was the first composer to have a hit single on the Billboard charts with the theme from “Peter Gunn.”

2. He collaborated frequently with director Blake Edwards, scoring many of his films including the “Pink Panther” series.

3. Mancini’s “Moon River” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1962.

4. He composed the music for over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.

5. Mancini’s alma mater, the Juilliard School, houses the Henry Mancini Music Library in his honor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Mancini

1. “To write a symphonic poem is the most challenging thing that a composer can do.”

2. “Music is the most versatile language in the world.”

3. “The secret to film scoring is understanding the psychology of the film.”

4. “The best way to write music is to live it.”

5. “You can only get better if you are willing to put in the time and effort.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Henry Mancini’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Henry Mancini and his wife, Virginia “Ginny” O’Connor, had three children: two daughters, Felice and Monica Mancini, and a son, Christopher Mancini. Monica Mancini followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional singer.