Mancini and Mancini: Henry and Monica!

I was a little girl when I first heard the Peter Gunn theme.  I fell in love with the work of composer, conductor and arranger, Henry Mancini.  This successful collaboration between the producer of the Peter Gunn series, Blake Edwards, and composer, Henry Mancini, inspired them to work together for the next 35 years on 30 films.  Henry was so talented that he made it look easy.  But when you look at his body of work, what he accomplished is truly amazing.  He recorded over 90 albums.  He won four Academy Awards and 20 Grammy Awards, plus The Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  He deserved every one and more.

Some of Henry’s magnificent scores included: The Pink Panther series, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Moon River included), Days of Wine and Roses, Hawaii, Two for the Road, Love Story, Wait Until Dark and the theme from Hatari.  Some of his incredible scores for television, besides Peter Gunn, are: Mr. Lucky, NBC Mystery Movie, The Thorn Birds theme and the theme from Charlie’s Angels!  He had a long and productive life and he exuded creativity and music.  He also passed on some wonderful genes.

My passion for Monica Mancini’s work began very differently.  I was once watching Ghost Ship and this movie included one of the most graphically horrific scenes I have ever seen on film.  I won’t describe it. You’ll have to see it for yourself. . . but in the background there was this beautiful song sung by a woman with a haunting voice.  With the power of the internet, I quickly learned that the song Senza Fine, was sung by Henry’s talented daughter, Monica.  I quickly bought everything Monica ever recorded.  She has a rich and full voice that pulls the listener in.  I only have one complaint.  Monica, if you ever read this, I am patiently awaiting your next release.  You sing the songs of the past with heartfelt passion, and you are one of my favorite artists.

So, as you can see, I love both father and daughter.  Please join Movies Broadway Singers and Beyond as we go Mancini, Wednesday, January 28^th at 4pm Eastern time / 1pm Pacific time.  I’ve even included some musical scores by Henry, which are also sung by Monica.  Wow!  What talent in one family.  I hope you enjoy this one.