[1][2] Frequently covered by a variety of artists, the track is the biggest-selling jazz song of all time and a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee.

Dave Brubeck was inspired to create an album based on odd time signatures during his state-sponsored 1958 Eurasia trip.

[3] The Quartet's drummer, Joe Morello, frequently soloed in 54 time and asked Brubeck to compose a new piece to showcase his ability.

[1] It proved so arduous that, after 40 minutes and more than 20 failed attempts, producer Teo Macero suspended the effort because one or another of the members kept losing the beat.

[12] The song is known for its distinctive two-chord piano/bass vamp (E♭m-B♭m7), cool jazz saxophone melodies, drum solo,[b] and unorthodox meter, from which Dave Brubeck derived its name.

[3][13] Desmond believed the borderline decision to retain his bridge melody was key to the tune gaining popularity.

Together with a unique stereo edit of "Blue Rondo à la Turk", they pressed the full album version in small numbers for a promotional six-pack of singles sent to DJs in late 1959.

[29] News of Brubeck's death on December 5, 2012 rekindled the popularity of "Take Five" across Europe, the single debuting in the Austrian Top 40 at No.

[38][3][39] Upon his death from lung cancer in 1977, Desmond left the performance royalties for his compositions, including "Take Five", to the American Red Cross,[40][41] which has since received payments averaging well over $100,000 a year.

Jamaican saxophonist Val Bennett covered the song in 1968 in a roots reggae style, in 44 time, and retitled "The Russians Are Coming".

Al Jarreau recorded an acclaimed scat version of the song for NDR Television in Hamburg, West Germany on October 17, 1975.