At the start of filming "The High And The Mighty" in 1953 Dimitri Tiomkin was commissioned to write the movie's score and a theme. After composing the basic melody Dimitri requested help from veteran Ned Washington. The theme to "The High And The Mighty" (Dimitri Tiomkin - Ned Washington) was a reality. Dimitri won the Academy Award for his score.

Warner Brothers brought the tune to pianist, saxophonist, bandleader and singer Les Baxter and his issue of "The High And The Mighty" was released at the same time as the movie. The single featuring whistling from Muzzy Marcellino, who was responsible for that part in the film, peaked at number four on the Top One Hundred in 1954.