Songwriting legend Burt Bacharach has died. He was 94.
He died at home in Los Angeles yesterday (February 8). His publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed he died of natural causes.
Bacharach wrote many classic songs, often with lyricist Hal David, from the '50s through the '80s. These include "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "This Guy's in Love with You," "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" and "That's What Friends Are For."
Bacharach won six Grammys and three Oscars. Many of his best-known songs were written for Dionne Warwick; other artists who have performed his songs include Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, the Carpenters, Herb Alpert, Cilla Black and the White Stripes. He famously appeared in 1997's Austin Powers, introducing him to a new generation.
UPDATE (2/9, 5:03 p.m. ET): Warwick shared the following message as a tribute to her late collaborator:
Burt's transition is like losing a family member. These words I've been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my dear friend and my musical partner. 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. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.
President Barack Obama awarded Bacharach and David the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2012; David died a few months later at the age of 91.
He died at home in Los Angeles yesterday (February 8). His publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed he died of natural causes.
Bacharach wrote many classic songs, often with lyricist Hal David, from the '50s through the '80s. These include "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "This Guy's in Love with You," "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" and "That's What Friends Are For."
Bacharach won six Grammys and three Oscars. Many of his best-known songs were written for Dionne Warwick; other artists who have performed his songs include Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, the Carpenters, Herb Alpert, Cilla Black and the White Stripes. He famously appeared in 1997's Austin Powers, introducing him to a new generation.
UPDATE (2/9, 5:03 p.m. ET): Warwick shared the following message as a tribute to her late collaborator:
Burt's transition is like losing a family member. These words I've been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my dear friend and my musical partner. 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. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.
President Barack Obama awarded Bacharach and David the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2012; David died a few months later at the age of 91.
