Obtained first instrument, a piccolo, at age eight; later learned the flute and piano

Joined Glenn Miller Band (under direction of Tex Beneke) as pianist and arranger

Went to work for Universal-International as staff composer where he wrote scores for over 100 films including "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954) for which he received his first Oscar nomination

First film work, as uncredited arranger on the Abbott and Costello comedy, "Lost in Alaska"

First film credit for title song, "Six Bridges to Cross" and for music adaptation and song, "The Glenn Miller Story"

Received first Oscar nomination, for "Best Scoring of a Musical Picture", for "The Glenn Miller Story"

Created now-classic theme for TV detective series, "Peter Gunn"; also first notable TV composition and first collaboration with writer-director Blake Edwards

Became an RCA recording artist

Composed his first score for a TV series, the CBS adventure, "Mr. Lucky"

Association with Universal ended with his work on the film, "The Great Imposter"

First of 27 feature collaborations with writer-producer-director Blake Edwards, "High Time"

Hosted and served as music director for three syndicated TV specials highlighting his compositions, "Monsanto Presents Mancini"

Composed music for the CBS TV series, "Cade's County"

Composed music for the NBC mystery series, "Columbo", in the 1970s

Hosted and served as music director of the syndicated variety series, "The Mancini Generation"

Provided music for the NBC sci-fi adventure series, "The Invisible Man"

Provided music for the ABC sitcom, "What's Happening"

Composed music for first TV miniseries, "Arthur Hailey's 'The Moneychangers'"

Composed music for the NBC TV series, "Kingston: Confidential"

Last original theme music composition for a TV series, the ABC anthology drama, "Hotel"

Received last of 18 Oscar nominations, in the category of "Best Song", for the title tune of Blake Edwards's comedy, "That's Life"

Career feted on the PBS variety show, "Mancini and Friends"

Last TV collaborations with Blake Edwards, the TV-movies "Justin Case" and "Peter Gunn"

Last TV theme music composition, "Democrats: A Presidential Debate"

Composed music for the syndicated revival of the game show, "Tic Tac Dough"

Last feature film credit as well as last feature collaboration with Blake Edwards, "Son of the Pink Panther"

Last major TV appearance, on the Disney Channel's variety concert special, "Disney's Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra"

Began undergoing treatments for blood clots and cancer

Made one of last public appearances on April 19 at gala celebrating his 70th birthday at the Pauley Pavilion at UCLA

Made Broadway debut as composer (posthumously) with Blake Edwards' stage version of "Victor/Victoria"