Burt Bacharach passed away on February 8th, 2023, at the age of 94, in his Los Angeles home due to natural causes. Burt Bacharach was a towering figure in the world of music, credited with writing some of the most iconic songs of all time, such as “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” and many others. He had a reputation for being a master communicator and was a frequent visitor to the White House, regardless of which political party was in power. In 2012, he was awarded the Gershwin Prize by President Barack Obama, who even sang a few bars of “Walk on By” during a campaign speech.
Burt’s impressive career spanned several decades and was marked by numerous accolades and awards. He was a three-time Oscar winner, an eight-time Grammy winner, and won the Broadway Award for his hit song “Promises, Promises.” He also wrote the scores for popular films like “What’s New, Pussycat?”, “Alfie,” and the James Bond parody “Casino Royale.”
Burt Bacharach was a multi-award-winning composer, arranger, and songwriter. He won three Academy Awards for his work in film, including the best original song award for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” from the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” He was also a recipient of eight Grammy Awards, including several for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). In addition, he won the Broadway Award for his hit musical “Promises, Promises.” Burt’s talent and contributions to music were recognized at the highest level, with President Barack Obama presenting him with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2012. Burt’s achievements and awards are a testament to his legacy as a musical icon and his lasting impact on the industry.
Burt was married four times throughout his life, first to Paula Stewart from 1953 to 1958, followed by his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson from 1965 to 1980. He was married to songwriter Carole Bayer Sager from 1982 to 1991, and finally, to his fourth wife, Jane Hansen, whom he married in 1993. He is survived by his children Oliver, Raleigh, and Christopher, as well as his wife Jane.
Burt was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and later relocated to New York City where he met his lifelong songwriting partner, Hal David. The two had a prolific partnership, creating their first number one single, “Magic Moments,” in 1958. They went on to create hit after hit, but the two eventually had a falling out after the failure of their musical “Lost Horizon” in 1973. However, they were able to reconcile before Hal David’s passing in 2012.
Burt Bacharach’s impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. He will forever be remembered as a musical genius and a true icon of the industry.
