A biography for Henry Mancinihasn’t been written yet.
“As a screen composer or film-music writer, I need something that I can work with in the body of the score. Like 'Charade,' 'Moon River,' 'Wine and Roses,' 'Dear Heart' - they were all just themes that grew out of the picture.”
“I'm usually the last man on the totem pole. Except for the sound effects and the final sound mix, the score is the last element to be added to a picture.”
“I just love what I do.”
“I don't know if I've ever written a song that wasn't on assignment.”
“I don't like to surprise anyone with the music I compose for a film. That way, there is less trouble later on.”
“Blake Edwards has set up an extraordinary combination of moods in 'Peter Gunn.' When you stop to analyze it, you can't find the boundaries where the music stops and the show takes over.”
“I had no idea 'Moon River' would do so well. I was too busy working to think about it.”
“I became a melodic writer after 'Gunn.'”
“I play a very streamlined piano.”
“Music is constantly developing and changing.”
“When I first began to work in pictures I tried to attract the attention of film critics, but I don't make movies to please them or myself anymore. I look for material that will entertain.”
“My profession has never demanded that I be mobbed by fans.”
“Erroll Garner is one of the few musicians I believe has a sense of humor in his music.”
“I wanted to write picture music ever since I was a kid.”
“I don't want to get corny, but my career really has been the personification of the American dream.”
“I very rarely write anything before what I see what I'm writing for.”
“You're molded by the period you were brought up in.”
“I don't pretend to want to write the Great American Symphony.”
“Getting out and being able to present a concert is invigorating.”
“If you want to write for films or TV, you must go to Hollywood.”