Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach
Name	Burt Bacharach
Birth date	May 12, 1928
Birth place	Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Death date	February 8, 2023
Death place	Los Angeles, U.S.
Occupation	Composer, songwriter, record producer, pianist
Years active	1950–2023
Spouse	Paula Stewart (m. 1953; div. 1958), Angie Dickinson (m. 1965; div. 1981), Carole Bayer Sager (m. 1982; div. 1991), Jane Hansen (m. 1993)
Children	4, including Raleigh and Oliver
Awards	Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Award

Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, and record producer who was a dominant figure in popular music from the late 1950s through the 1980s. Renowned for his sophisticated melodies, unconventional time signatures, and complex harmonies, he formed a legendary songwriting partnership with lyricist Hal David. His work, performed by iconic artists like Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, and Dusty Springfield, earned him numerous accolades including multiple Academy Awards and Grammy Awards, cementing his legacy as one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

Early life and education

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in New York City, where he was exposed to music by his mother, a painter and amateur songwriter. He studied music at McGill University in Montreal and later at the Mannes School of Music and the Music Academy of the West in California, where he was a student of famed composers Darius Milhaud and Henry Cowell. His early career included serving in the United States Army and working as an accompanist and arranger for various performers, including Vic Damone and The Ames Brothers, which provided crucial experience in the popular music industry.

Career

His breakthrough came in the late 1950s when he began collaborating with lyricist Hal David, a partnership that would define an era. He achieved major success writing for Dionne Warwick, producing a string of hits including "Walk On By" and "I Say a Little Prayer". He also composed significant material for other artists such as The Carpenters ("Close to You"), Dusty Springfield ("The Look of Love"), and Tom Jones ("What's New Pussycat?"). His work in film was highly acclaimed, winning Academy Awards for the scores of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "Arthur". In later decades, he continued to record and perform, collaborating with artists like Elvis Costello on the album "Painted from Memory" and seeing his songs reinterpreted by acts ranging from The White Stripes to Ronald Isley.

Musical style and influence

His compositional style was distinguished by its sophisticated use of jazz harmonies, shifting time signatures, and intricate melodic lines that broke from conventional pop music structures. He often employed unusual instruments for the genre, such as the flugelhorn and Brazilian percussion, creating a lush, orchestral sound. This innovative approach influenced a wide array of subsequent musicians across genres, from the soft rock of The Carpenters and Bread to the soul music of Aretha Franklin and modern artists like Dr. Dre, who sampled his work. His songs have become enduring standards, continually covered and celebrated for their emotional depth and musical complexity.

Personal life

He was married four times, first to actress Paula Stewart, then to actress Angie Dickinson, followed by songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, and finally to Jane Hansen. He had four children, including a daughter, Raleigh Bacharach, with Dickinson and a son, Oliver Sacks, with Hansen. His personal life, including his high-profile marriages, was often covered in publications like People magazine. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of music education and various health charities. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles in 2023.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he received extensive critical and commercial recognition. He won three Academy Awards and eight Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Trustees Award. In 2008, he was honored with the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972 and, with Hal David, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Other notable honors include a Tony Award for his contributions to the musical "Promises, Promises" and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Discography

His discography includes numerous studio albums, soundtracks, and collaborative works. Key albums include "Hit Maker! Burt Bacharach Plays the Burt Bacharach Hits" (1965), "Living Together" (1973), and "At This Time" (2005). Significant soundtrack albums feature his music for films like "What's New Pussycat?", "Casino Royale", and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". His later collaborative album with Elvis Costello, "Painted from Memory" (1998), is also a critical highlight.

Filmography

His film work primarily consists of composing scores and contributing songs to major motion pictures. Notable film credits include "What's New Pussycat?" (1965), "Casino Royale" (1967), "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), for which he won an Academy Award, and "Arthur" (1981), which earned him another Oscar. He also made occasional on-screen appearances, such as in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997), where he cameoed as himself.

Category:American composers Category:American songwriters Category:Grammy Award winners