Legendary composer Burt Bacharach has passed away at the age of 94. He died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The news was announced by his publicist, Tina Brausam.
Bacharach was hailed as one of the greatest composers pop music has ever seen. The composer released more than 40 albums in his career and recorded hundreds of songs from the 1950s to the 1980s. Continue reading to know more about his life and career.
Burt Bacharach Wrote Over 70 Chartbusters in his Career
Bacharach was known for his jazz and pop numbers and romantic and melancholic songs. Born in 1928 in Kansas City, the composer took a keen interest in jazz music during his teenage and also took up piano lessons. He then learned the art of composition from several universities.
In 1957, he met lyricist Hal David and formed one of the most successful partnerships in the music industry. The same year, the two released their song The Story of My Life, which topped the U.S. Country Chart. The duo went on to create over 100 songs together. During the 1960s, 15 of their tracks reached the US Top 40.
Bacharach ended his partnership with David in 1973 following a dispute but continued to release chart-topping numbers. Over the years, 73 songs written by him made it to the US Top 40. The count was 52 in the UK charts.
Bacharach was a Six-Time Grammy Winner
Some of Bacharach’s most famous songs include Magic Moments, I Say A Little Prayer, What Do You Get When You Fall In Love, The Look of Love, Close To You, Alfie, Make It Easy on Yourself, I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head and 24 Hours From Tulsa.
Bacharach won three Oscars and six Grammys in his career, including a lifetime achievement award in 2008. The composer was inspired by French jazz musician Darius Milhaud. “His observation was: Never be ashamed of something that’s melodic, one could whistle. So that was a valuable lesson I learned from him,” Bacharach said, talking about his inspiration.
Tributes Pour in for the Composer
A number of celebrities and fans have paid tributes to the deceased songwriter on social media. Singer Stephen Bishop tweeted, “I just heard the news that @BurtBacharach passed away. It’s hard to process. One of the greatest songwriters of our generation is gone. I’ll always think of Burt Bacharach as the King of Melody. His songs are timeless.”
“The songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David canvassed my childhood and soundtracked every cool cocktail party back in the day. Their work with @Dionnewarwick is unsurpassed, and Bacharach with Elvis Costello? Forget it. Listen to “God Give Me Strength” right now. #RIPBurtBacharach,” wrote singer Shaun Cassidy.
“Burt Bacharach… What a loss but what a treasure of amazing songs he’s left us. His work with Hal David, Carole Bayer Sager and others, share an effortless combination of simplicity & sophistication. Walk On By? That’s What Friends Are For? Alfie? This Guy’s In Love With You? WOW,” tweeted musician Paul Stanley.
May Burt Bacharach’s soul rest in peace! Stay tuned for more news and updates.
