RIP Lalo Schifrin

Lalo Schifrin died yesterday from from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Schifrin was 93.

Lalo Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  His birth name was Boris Claudio Schifrin.  He legally changed his name to Lalo when he came to the United States.

Lalo Schifrin was trained as a classical musician before falling in love with jazz.  Mr. Schifrin received a scholarship to the Conservatoire de Paris.   He studied during the day and played jazz in clubs at night.  While still in his twenties, Mr. Schifrin returned to Argentina.  He began radio, television, and film work.  Mr. Schifrin wrote for Xavier Cugat’s dance orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington.  He was also recording his own music.

• Lalo Schifrin began to get work for American television and films.  He became one of the most prolific and productive composers.  He was nominated for six Academy Awards, and in 2019 was given an Honorary Oscar.  Mr. Schifrin was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards as well as three Golden Globes.  He was nominated for 19 Grammy Awards and won four.

Mr. Schifrin has 226 composer credits and 207 soundtrack credits on his IMDb resume.  Some of his best known works include the themes to THE Cat; Mission Impossible, Mannix and Starsky and Hutch.   Some of his best known film scores include Enter the Dragon, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Rush Hour, The Amityville Horror, The Eagle Has Landed and so many others.

Mr. Schifrin’s best known composition is probably the Mission Impossible theme song.  It’s a classic.  My sentimental favorite is for Enter the Dragon.  Truth is, I loved all of his music.  Mr. Schifrin is a legend for good reason.  His music which will live on forever.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Lalo Schifrin’s family, friends and fans.