Burt Bacharach, the legendary composer who wrote dozens of pop hits, has died at the age of 94. Bacharach died Wednesday (February 8, 2023) at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes.
As a child in the 1960's and 70's I grew up enthralled and charmed by the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Even more so with the beautiful Dionne Warwick who vocalized much of his (and Hal David's) music for at least 15 years.
Among their many classics written for Warwick and others included: “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “The Look of Love,” “Walk on By,” “Always Something There to Remind Me,” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
Bacharach was born May 12, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of newspaper columnist Bert Bacharach and artist/songwriter Irma Freeman. Eventually Bacharach moved to Forest Hills, New York which provided fuel for his talent of writing and singing.
Upon hearing Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis at a night club, his career choice was without a doubt. “Hearing them,” he said in 1998, “it was like a window opening.”
I continue to be thankful to God for having allowed me to grow up knowing, hearing and appreciating the musical gifts of Burt Bacharach.
Dionne Warwick - Message To Michael (1966)
Video from Vintage Video Clips
"Dionne Warwick performing Message To Michael (1966)" from video introduction
A BURT BACHARACH- HAL DAVID SONGBOOK
Video from Alain Robert
"DIONNE,DUSTY,PERRY,ANDY sing the BACHARACH-DAVID songs." from video introduction
Burt Bacharach & Hal David
Music And Lyrics: Burt Bacharach And Hal David
"Lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach began their collaboration together in 1957 after meeting in New York City's legendary Brill Building -- the home of dozens of music publishers, as well as songwriters such as Carole King, Neil Sedaka and Paul Simon.
Only a year later, their song "The Story of My Life" hit the U.S. country music charts. Soon afterward, Perry Como recorded their song "Magic Moments," which also climbed the charts.
But it was in 1961, when Bacharach and David started their collaboration with the sultry pop star Dionne Warwick, when they had their biggest string of hits. Between 1961 and 1981, Warwick charted 38 singles co-written or produced by Bacharach and David. Their song "Walk on By" became one of Warwick's classic numbers, along with "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and "Wishin' and Hopin'," which was also recorded by Dusty Springfield.." from the article: Music And Lyrics: Burt Bacharach And Hal David
Dionne Warwick - Alfie ( Burt Bacharach's Favorite Song)
Video from Musica Paixão
In several interviews over the years Burt Bacharach said that "Alfie" was his favorite as it related so much to the times in which we live!
Late Composer Burt Bacharach Became a Dad of 4 After Finding Fame: Get to Know His Kids
"Composer Burt Bacharach worked with so many incredible artists over the course of his six decades-long career. Some of his biggest fans included his four children: Cristopher Bacharach, Oliver Bacharach, Raleigh Bacharach and late daughter Nikki Bacharach. The composer died on February 8, 2023, at the age of 94 from natural causes, his publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed to The Associated Press. Keep scrolling to learn more about Burt’s four children.
Who Was Burt’s Eldest Daughter, Nikki Bacharach?
During his marriage to Angie Dickinson, which lasted from 1965 to 1981, Burt became a dad for the first time. The pair welcomed daughter Nikki three months before her due date in 1966. In an essay published by the Daily Mail, Burt shared that his eldest daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and lived in a treatment center for 10 years. Nikki died by suicide at the age of 40 in 2007.
“She was cremated and there was no service, but Angie made a memorial booklet for her with photographs and a long poem,” the Grammy winner wrote. “The last lines were, ‘Nikki put on quite a show when she was here, on this Earth. She was not understood by most but loved and appreciated by a precious few. And now, she’s finally happy. Her Mom.’”.." from the article: Late Composer Burt Bacharach Became a Dad of 4 After Finding Fame: Get to Know His Kids
Burt Bacharach Dead at 94: Dionne Warwick, Tony Bennett, Rick Astley, more Mourn Composer
"Celebrities are mourning the death of legendary composer Burt Bacharach.
The prolific hit-maker, who wrote songs for Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and Aretha Franklin, died Wednesday. He was 94.
“Burt’s transition is like losing a family member," Warwick said in a statement. "These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my Dear Friend and my Musical Partner."
Warwick also reflected on the happiness Bacharach brought to her life.
"On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship," she added. "My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”.. from the article: Burt Bacharach Dead at 94: Dionne Warwick, Tony Bennett, Rick Astley, more Mourn Composer