Burt Bacharach R.I.P.
Died earlier this week at age 94: “When you walk, let your heart lead the way”
Burt Bacharach died on February 8, 2023, at age 94. The accolades and memories are rolling in:
From “Walk on By” to “The Look of Love” to “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” to “The Blob,” Burt Bacharach composed indelible pop songs that became staples of the soundtrack of their eras.
The prolific tunesmith, who died Feb. 8 at age 94, grew to prominence early in his career by penning film scores and hits (with lyricist partner Hal David) for movies such as “Casino Royale,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Alfie,” “What’s New Pussycat,” “After the Fox,” “Arthur” and “Night Shift.” And yes, Bacharach and lyricist Mack David (brother of Hal) wrote the late 1950s novelty hit “The Blob,” which stemmed from the 1958 horror comedy that helped propel Steve McQueen to stardom.
For me, Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick were joined at the musical hip:
It’s hard to come up with a list of best songs, but Parade has a list that’s a pretty good start, What the World Needs Now Are the 15 Best Burt Bacharach Songs. Here’s a Supercut of his 30 most popular songs.
It’s hard to have just one favorite. But if I had to choose, it would be Alfie:
Rest in peace, Burt.
always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) February 9, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/yYGY3bGNSw
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 9, 2023
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Comments
Especially sad because it brings to mind that his heyday were better days.
He lived through America’s best days, and died before he had to witness it’s complete disintegration.
He also ate a healthy diet and worked out 3 days a week. At age 94 he was healthier, both mentally and physically, than the 53 year old junior senator from Pennsyvania.
True that
That’s not what Senator Sling Blade would say. More so, he’s been quoted as saying “Thash nuyor biznush”.
Biden-Fetterman in 2024!
“Thash nuyor biznush”
That’s an older quote from last year. All he is able to utter now is, “UHHHH. UHHH.”
Those two are connected, Burt wrote The Blob and Fetterman is one.
A great talent, but to be fair, when “he” sings “I Say a Little Prayer,” it comes off as a bit creepy. 😉
“And yes, Bacharach and lyricist Mack David (brother of Hal) wrote the late 1950s novelty hit “The Blob…”
Nothing wrong with modest beginnings. I was quite pleasantly astounded to learn last year that the theme song for “Lost in Space” (both versions, actually) were written by none other than Star Wars’ John Williams (or “Johnny Williams,” as he was credited).
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs BOTH versions of the Lost In Space theme. I always liked version 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKckxONAH4M
When you’re young an in show business, any money you make in show business is a lot of money.
Unbelievably I was just finishing watching a Gilligan’s Island episode when I read your post, and in the credits for the music was Johnny Williams! Note this was an older (black and white) episode from the first season; the following more recent episode (in color) that aired did not credit Williams.
I don’t know why people write condolences saying they had their differences
It’s not the time
I simply loved his music
What a talent
Not bad to look at either
I lost a dear friend, mother of a college mate , but I ended up better friends with her than him, this week…
She was 90, large farm, been in the family over 200 years, Ken Burns used some of the families Civil war memorabilia.
I think unfortunately the farm will be sold.
Breaks my heart, I went there many a day and weekend to lick my wounds and be by the animals and the family. They treated me as one of them.
You don’t find many people that let in a stray like they did.
I simply loved her..
my personal favourite of his: “this guy’s in love with you”–though alpert was nowhere near the calibre singer of warwicke, his modest tenor and delivery made the song work
to be called ” a mentor and a giant in the music industry ” from none other than brian wilson is high praise indeed
rest in peace and thanks for the music
In my opinion, Herb performed remarkably.
OK, so I’m not completely off base, recalling Bacherach doing something with Herb Alpert.
I can’t find it. I keep landing on Brass and Ivory, Mancini and Doc both demonstrating the top end of what they could do.
here you go bierce
herb is one hell of a trumpet player though not a true singer–he does a good job without a whole lot of embellishment which makes the song work
https://youtu.be/pvQMyVoefNI
Thanks.
Agree on Herb Alpert.
Thanks to Burt (and Hal), everybody knows the way to San Jose.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs BOTH versions of the Lost In Space theme. I always liked version 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKckxONAH4M
well the lyracist was tops matching Great words to his tunes. mr david
Hey Angie Dickinson. Hubba. he did well. Seriously Bless his soul