Lalo Schifrin, a celebrated jazz pianist and classical conductor, has had a storied career in the music industry, collaborating with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan. However, it is perhaps his work on the Mission: Impossible theme that stands out as his most significant contribution to popular culture. The score, instantly recognizable and often whistled, has played a pivotal role in the enduring success of the Mission: Impossible film franchise, which has been led by Tom Cruise since its inception.

Composed in the unconventional 5/4 time signature, the iconic melody—characterized by the sequence “Dum-dum DUM DUM dum-dum DUM DUM”—was first unveiled alongside a self-destruct countdown clock in the original television series. This show aired from 1966 to 1973 and quickly gained a devoted following. In an appraisal of the piece, film critic Anthony Lane from The New Yorker famously dubbed it “the most contagious tune ever heard by mortal ears.” The theme even achieved commercial success, reaching No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968.

Interestingly, Schifrin initially composed a different piece for the show's theme, but series creator Bruce Geller favored an arrangement Schifrin had originally crafted for an action scene. Reflecting on the creative process, Schifrin recounted, “The producer called me and told me, ‘You’re going to have to write something exciting, almost like a logo, something that will be a signature, and it’s going to start with a fuse.’” Schifrin explained to the AP in 2006 that the absence of visuals allowed him the creative freedom to produce a score that resonated deeply with him, which may be why it has become such a memorable piece.

When it came time to adapt the series for the big screen, director Brian De Palma was adamant about incorporating Schifrin's theme into the film. This decision led to a clash with acclaimed composer John Williams, who aimed to create a fresh score. Ultimately, Williams stepped aside, and Danny Elfman took on the project, agreeing to preserve Schifrin's original music. Following Elfman, Hans Zimmer took the reins for the second film, and Michael Giacchino composed the scores for the subsequent two installments. Giacchino expressed his initial apprehension about taking on a piece he cherished, recalling a conversation with Schifrin where he felt like he was asking a father for permission to marry his daughter. Schifrin’s encouraging words of “Just have fun with it” gave Giacchino the confidence he needed.

The Mission: Impossible theme has garnered several accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Theme and Best Original Score from a Motion Picture or TV Show. In 2017, this iconic piece was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further solidifying its status as a classic.

In a unique twist, members of U2, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr., recorded a rendition of the theme for the soundtrack of the franchise's first installment in 1996. Their version peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination, showcasing the theme's continued relevance in popular music.

Additionally, a nostalgic 2010 commercial for Lipton tea creatively depicted a young Schifrin at his piano, inspired to compose the iconic theme with the aid of sips from Lipton Yellow Label tea, accompanied by musicians appearing dramatically from the sky as he added layers to his composition.