Celebrity

Legendary composer Burt Bacharach dies, age 94

Matthew Hart
Feb 10, 2023
Burt Bacharach is widely considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Source: Getty Images.

The world has lost one of its greatest musical talents following the passing of legendary composer Burt Bacharach at the age of 94.

Bacharach, known for such hits as Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head and Say A Little Prayer, died on Wednesday, February 8 of natural causes.

On the late composer’s official Instagram page, a representative for Bacharach announced his passing.

“It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of our father, husband and friend. He gave the world so much, and we are eternally grateful,” the representative said.

“The music is always there, so please keep listening. We send our love from team Bacharach, because that’s what friends are for.”

 

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A post shared by Burt Bacharach (@burtbacharach)

Born May 12, 1928 Kansas City, Missouri, Bacharach grew up in New York City where his mother developed his musical talents early by teaching him the piano.

In his teenage year, Bacharach took an interest in jazz and reportedly used a fake ID to enter nightclubs to hear musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie who had a major influence on his style of music.

In 1948 he studied music at Montreal’s McGill University where he became familiar with a range of music that would go on to influence his music career.

After working for a series of composers, early on in his career, Bacharach teamed up with lyricist Hal David to form a writing partnership.

The partnership would prove to be incredibly fruitful as the pair went on to work with artists such as Marty Robbins, Perry Como, Gene McDaniels, and Jerry Butler.

As their success grew, Bacharach went on to write hits for Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Jackie DeShannon, Bobbie Gentry, Tom Jones, Herb Alpert, B. J. Thomas, and the Carpenters, among a myriad of other artists.

Some of Bacharach’s major hits include This Guy’s in Love with You (1968), Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head (1969), Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) (1981), and That’s What Friends Are For (1986).

Bacharach is widely considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century and in addition to receiving six Grammy Awards and three Academy Awards, Bacharach has written 52 UK and 73 US top 40 hits.

As the world learned of Bacharach’s passing, celebrities and fans came together to pay tribute and acknowledge his “gorgeous music”.

 

Bacharach is survived by his wife Jane, their son, Oliver, and daughter, Raleigh, and another son, Cristopher, from his third marriage.

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