Johnny Mandel death: Tributes to ‘genius’ M*A*S*H composer and arranger

‘The world will never be quite the same without his humour, wit and wry view of life and the human condition,’ said Michael Feinstein

Johnny Mandel (Getty Images)

Johnny Mandel, the Oscar-winning composer of the theme song to M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 94.

The American songwriter was regarded as one of the foremost composers and arrangers of the 20th Century.

Across a career that spanned seven decades, Mandel worked with musicians including Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson and Michael Buble.

He earned five Grammy awards for his work, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tributes to the late composer have poured in from his many collaborators and admirers.

Buble wrote: "I was so sad to learn that a hero of mine, Johnny Mandel, passed away.

"He was a genius and one of my favourite writers, arrangers, and personalities. He was a beast."

Pianist and singer Michael Feinstein also paid tribute, writing: “The world will never be quite the same without his humour, wit and wry view of life and the human condition.

“He was truly beyond compare, and nobody could write or arrange the way he did. Lord will we miss him."

Singer Diana Krall also posted about Mandel, describing him as "a unique arranger and beautiful songwriter who I am so fortunate to have been able to call a friend".

"I can only feel gratitude and love," Krall added.