In Loving Memory of Lalo Schifrin (June 21, 1932 – June 26, 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Lalo Schifrin, a musical titan whose genius reshaped the soundscape of film, television, and beyond. Lalo passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations. As a friend and fellow pianist, I am honored to reflect on the life of a man whose artistry, warmth, and boundless creativity touched so many lives, including my own.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lalo’s musical journey began under the influence of his father, a violinist at the Teatro Colón, and his early classical training with maestros like Enrique Barenboim. His passion for jazz, sparked in his teenage years, led him to Parisian jazz clubs and a fateful collaboration with Dizzy Gillespie, propelling him to New York and eventually Hollywood. There, Lalo’s unique fusion of jazz, classical, Latin, and funk rhythms gave voice to some of the most iconic moments in cinematic history.
Lalo’s compositions are instantly recognizable, none more so than the electrifying theme for Mission: Impossible, a pulsating masterpiece that has become synonymous with suspense and adventure since its debut in 1966. His scores for films like Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, and The Amityville Horror didn’t just accompany the action—they defined it, elevating each scene with a visceral energy that captured the rebellious spirit of the 1960s and 70s. His music for television, including Mannix, Starsky & Hutch, and T.H.E. Cat, and even his innovative use of the Moog synthesizer for Medical Center, showcased his versatility and forward-thinking approach. His “Tar Sequence” from Cool Hand Luke became the signature sound for ABC’s Eyewitness News, a testament to his ability to craft music that transcended the screen and entered the cultural zeitgeist.
As a pianist, I marveled at Lalo’s virtuosity and his ability to weave storytelling into every note. His work was a masterclass in emotional depth, whether he was conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis, or composing chamber music that blended jazz, bossa nova, and classical influences. His five Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, six Oscar nominations, and a 2018 honorary Oscar—presented by his longtime collaborator Clint Eastwood—only begin to capture the scope of his impact. As Lalo himself once said, “The movie dictates what the music will be,” and he had an unparalleled gift for listening to a story and translating it into sound.
On a personal note, knowing Lalo was a privilege that enriched my life. His generosity, humor, and passion for music were as infectious as his compositions. Whether sharing stories over a meal or discussing the intricacies of a score, he was a mentor and friend whose presence lit up any room. As someone who manages artists, I admired Lalo not only for his creative brilliance but for his professionalism and integrity, qualities that made him a beacon for musicians and composers worldwide.
Lalo is survived by his beloved wife, Donna, and their children, William, Frances, and Ryan, a filmmaker who carries forward his father’s creative spirit. His music, however, lives on in every heart it has touched, from the streets of Buenos Aires to the global stage. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life that gave us so much—music that will forever ignite our imaginations and remind us of the power of a single note to tell a story.
Rest in peace, dear Lalo. Your mission is accomplished, and your melody will never fade.
With love and gratitude,
Jack Price
