U.S. stamp honors Henry Mancini

LOS ANGELES, April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Postal Service has issued a new 37-cent stamp honoring Henry Mancini the composer of "The Pink Panther," and "Moon River."

Mancini, who died in 1994, composed a long list of memorable television themes, hit songs and movie scores over a more than 40-year career. His first album, "The Music from Peter Gunn," a 1950s television detective show, sold more than 1 million copies, a first for a jazz album.

Teaming with director Blake Edwards, Mancini wrote scores for "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "The Pink Panther," "The Great Race," and "10." Other films included "Charade," Orson Wells' "A Touch of Evil" and "The Days of Wine and Roses."

The self-adhesive stamp features Mancini conducting and the Pink Panther in the corner.

"Henry Mancini set the standard in film, television, and concert halls around the world." said Postmaster General John Potter. "He was a genius at capturing the essence of a thought or an emotion and depicting it in a musical score that delighted and captivated his audiences."

He also wrote the themes to the television shows "Mr. Lucky," "Newhart," "Remington Steele," and "Hotel."