S.O.D. "Peter Gunn Theme" by Henry Mancini

1/6/2016     Here's some good old-fashioned spy music that has been covered by numerous artists including The Kingsmen, Emerson Lake and Palmer and the Blues Brothers.  Two of the more successful covers were both done in 1959 by trumpet master Ray Anthony and American guitarist Duane Eddy.  

     Mancini's version which was written for the television show "Peter Gunn," won him 2 Grammies: Best Arrangement and Album of the Year, along with an Emmy award.  Mancini said himself of the piece: "I used guitar and piano in unison playing what is known in music as an ostinato.  It was sustained throughout the piece, giving it a sinister effect, with some frightened saxophone sounds and shouting brass.  The piece has one chord throughout and a super-simple top line."  

     The tune certainly has its place in public media such as the films "Sixteen Candles" and "Porky's Revenge."  Many video game companies employ the song as is with the classic standup arcade game, which was one of my favorites.