PBS knows how to celebrate a musical icon, and their tribute to Henry Mancini on his 100th birthday is no exception. “Great Performances: Henry Mancini 100 at the Hollywood Bowl,” airing Friday, November 29 at 9 p.m. ET, offers a comprehensive look at the composer’s remarkable career, blending a star-studded concert with rare archival footage and insightful interviews.
With Jeff Goldblum as host, the concert itself is a treat for fans of Mancini’s timeless work. Performances by Cynthia Erivo, Michael Bublé, Dave Koz, and Mancini’s daughter, Monica, bring classics like “Moon River,” “The Pink Panther Theme,” and “Days of Wine and Roses” to life, accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins.
Beyond the concert, the special looks at Mancini’s legacy with behind-the-scenes footage from a recent 100th-anniversary album recording. This project features an impressive roster of musicians, including John Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Herbie Hancock, Gustavo Dudamel, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, James Galway, and, in his final televised appearance, Quincy Jones. The program also incorporates interviews with actors who starred in Mancini-scored films, offering a glimpse into the impact his music had on Hollywood.
Archival footage and photos further enrich the narrative, tracing Mancini’s journey from his early days to his status as a four-time Oscar and 20-time Grammy winner. With over 125 film and television themes to his credit, Mancini’s influence on popular culture is undeniable.
“Great Performances: Henry Mancini 100 at the Hollywood Bowl” airs Friday, November 29 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS. The special will also be available for streaming on pbs.org/gperf and the PBS App.
