Lalo Schifrin, the Argentine composer who brought Latin rhythms, jazz, and classical mastery to some of Hollywood's most iconic soundtracks, including the Mission: Impossible theme, has died. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 93.
Born Boris Claudio Schifrin on June 21, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Schifrin grew up surrounded by music. His father, Luis Schifrin, was the concertmaster of the Buenos Aires Philharmonic. From an early age, Lalo blended formal classical training with a deep love for jazz, an unusual combination that became his signature.
After studying piano at the Paris Conservatory under famed composer Olivier Messiaen, Schifrin immersed himself in Europe's jazz scene, performing in clubs by night while refining his composition skills by day. His multicultural foundation—Argentine roots, European classical tradition, and African-American jazz — would later shape the soundtracks of American pop culture.
Schifrin's career took off when he joined Dizzy Gillespie's quintet as a pianist and arranger. Together, they recorded the groundbreaking album Gillespiana, which fused jazz with Latin and African influences and sold over a million copies. That success led him to Hollywood, where his unique sound caught the attention of filmmakers looking for something bold and different.
His music changed the sound of TV and film forever. The Mission: Impossible theme, written in an unusual 5/4 time signature, became one of the most recognizable melodies in the world, used not only in the original 1966 series but also in the blockbuster film franchise starring Tom Cruise.
Schifrin's film credits include Bullitt (1968), Dirty Harry (1971), Enter the Dragon (1973), and The Amityville Horror (1979), among many others. His signature style, blending jazz, funk, and symphonic elements, redefined the sound of action, crime, and thriller films in the 1970s and beyond.
Throughout his career, Schifrin earned six Academy Award nominations and won five Grammy Awards. In 2018, he received an Honorary Oscar for his lifetime contribution to film music, presented by longtime collaborator Clint Eastwood.
Even late in life, Schifrin never stopped composing. In April 2025, just months before his passing, he premiered ¡Viva la Libertad! at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, a symphonic tribute to his homeland that fused Argentine folk music, classical symphony, and jazz.
Lalo Schifrin was more than a composer. He was a cultural bridge, a Latino innovator whose music transcended borders and genres. His work continues to inspire generations of musicians, filmmakers, and fans worldwide.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children.
Schifrin once said, "Music is the language of the soul." His soul now echoes through some of the most unforgettable soundtracks in history.
