Young people today tend to evaluate "superstars" based upon how many Grammy Awards or how many Academy Awards they may win. You may hear them say, "Did you see that `so-and-so' was nominated for an Academy Award?" So, let's put things into a teenager's perspective as we look at the career of Henry Mancini...

During Henry Mancini's life, he was nominated for 72 Grammy Awards! And, he didn't win just five or six — he won 20! In addition, his music was nominated for 18 Academy Awards; and he walked off with four Oscars!

We should be extremely proud of the fact that Mr. Mancini was a native of Beaver County. He graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1942, went on to the world-famous Juilliard School of Music, and has created some of the most memorable music the world has ever known. Some of his best known music was adapted for the motion picture industry or for television and included: "The Love Theme" from Romeo and Juliet; the theme from Mr. Lucky; the theme from Peter Gunn; "The Baby Elephant Walk;" "The Days of Wine and Roses;" "Dear Heart;" "Charade;" "Moon River" from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's; and the celebrated theme for The Pink Panther.

No matter what his inspirations may have been as he was growing up and making Aliquippa his hometown, a truly gifted artist emerged from our own backyard. We are very proud that Mrs. Virginia Mancini, Henry Mancini's widow, her children Monica, Felice and Christopher, and grandsons Christopher and Luca share in the eternal musical dreams of Henry Mancini.

It is our desire to keep the name of "Henry Mancini" as a living legacy and inspiration to all the young people who perform.