SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET 

EPISODE 2: THE PINK PANTHER THEME by Henry Mancini (RCA, 1963)

There is something irresistible about the creeping sax signature (swung by Plas Johnson), that gets me every time. Maybe it’s the accompanying cute image of that hapless, animated feline (so reminiscent of Wiley Coyote) curtesy of David DePatie and Fritz Freleng, that seals the delicious deal, but whatever the synaptic connection, this tune sparks pure musical happiness in my cerebral cortex. And, I’m not alone - Henry Mancini’s frothy concoction was a smash single that sold half a million copies, went to the top ten, and won 3 grammies

And, of course, don’t forget that this was the ditty that kicked off the series of films that introduced Peter Seller’s bumbling Inspector Clouseau, an eternal avatar of funny, to the world. If you’re feeling blue, take Norman Cousin’s prescription, and screen those classic comedy films to make yourself feel better. I also learned that this pepto bismol colored cat is associated with Cancer awareness - a very appropriate shade for the elixir of healing. So, go ahead and take a swig!