Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning Burt Bacharach has passed away at 94. the legendary music composer died on Wednesday at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, as announced by publicist Tina Brausam via USA Today.
Referred to as “one of the most important composers of popular music in the second half of the 20th century,” the late song composer wove together elements from cool jazz, soul, and traditional pop and his talent won him two Academy Awards, series of Grammys, as well as a legacy as a songwriter’s songwriter.
Burt Bacharach Passes Away At 94
Following his death, many Millennial/GenZ fans and many celebrities have mourned his loss online. Brian Wilson wrote via Twitter. “I’m so sad to hear about Burt Bacharach. Burt was a hero of mine and very influential on my work. He was a giant in the music business. His songs will live forever. Love & Mercy to Burt’s family.” Tim Burgess tweeted “One of the greatest songwriting legacies in the history of ever.
Farewell Burt Bacharach, you were a king” Discogs wrote “The legendary composer & pop songwriter, Burt Bacharach, has passed away. One of his most beloved songs, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” is featured on this vinyl reissue of his Oscar-winning original score for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
Burt was born in Missouri in 1928, and he spent most of his childhood in New York. Due to his influence by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, he went on to study jazz and music at Montreal’s McGill University, the New School for Social Research in New York, and the Mannes School of Music.
During the early years of his career, he worked as an accompanist and conductor for Marlene Dietrich‘s nightclub act, as shared by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Burt’s first breakthrough in his career was when he became a songwriter with the country-rock hits “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and “Only Love Can Break A Heart” for Gene Pitney. He went on to form a songwriting duo in the late 1950s with Hal David who died in 2012), and after that, he started a long collaborative career with Dionne Warwick.
The trio produced a string of 39 consecutive chart hits, including “Don’t Make Me Over,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” “Walk On By,” “Message To Michael,” and “Promises, Promises.” Burt and Hal also co-wrote “That’s What Friends Are For,” with Carole Bayer Sager. Warwick recorded the song with Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight.
