Andy Chase

Exotica musician Martin Denny has passed away at the age of 94.

I haven't listened to my Ultra-Lounge catalog nearly as much as I used to since leaving the decidedly more tropical climes of Los Angeles, but Martin Denny's music provided the soundtrack for numerous weekend googie photo expeditions around southern California.

His music never failed to transport me from the ugly, cynical, overcrowded L.A. of the 1990's back to the sleek, modern, optimistic (and yes, kitschy) L.A. of the 1950's, and for that I was always grateful.

As pointed out by BoingBoing, what a nice way to go after a long, successful life; peacefully, in your sleep, and in Hawaii.