[2] The song was the opening track on the original soundtrack album, The Music from Peter Gunn, released by RCA Victor in 1959.
In his 1989 autobiography, Did They Mention the Music?, Mancini states:The Peter Gunn title theme actually derives more from rock and roll than from jazz.
It was sustained throughout the piece, giving it a sinister effect, with some frightened saxophone sounds and some shouting brass.
[4]In the original recording of the song, the piano riff is played by John Williams, who went on to become an influential film composer.
The Sopranos episode "Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood" features "Peter Gunn" repeatedly, including as a mashup with "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.