Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, and record producer known for his sophisticated melodies and unique arrangements. His collaborations with lyricist Hal David produced some of the most enduring pop songs of the 20th century, often characterized by unconventional time signatures, lush orchestration, and emotional depth. Bacharach's music spanned genres and decades, and his influence can be felt across pop, jazz, and R&B.
Burt Bacharach Career Highlights
1957 Begins collaborating with lyricist Hal David, marking the start of a legendary songwriting partnership that would last for decades.
1962 Composes "The Look of Love" for Dusty Springfield, which becomes an international hit and earns an Academy Award nomination.
1965 Writes "What the World Needs Now Is Love," performed by Jackie DeShannon, which becomes an anthem of peace and unity during the turbulent 1960s.
1967 Composes the music for the film Casino Royale, including the song "The Look of Love," which becomes a jazz and pop standard.
1969 Writes "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The song wins an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
1971 Collaborates with Dionne Warwick on "That's What Friends Are For," marking one of many collaborations with the singer that define her career.
1985 Releases That's What Friends Are For, performed by Dionne Warwick and Friends, which becomes a No. 1 hit and raises money for AIDS research.
1996 Collaborates with Elvis Costello on the album Painted from Memory, demonstrating his ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant in modern music.
2012 Receives the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, honoring his contributions to American music.
Burt Bacharach Band - Collaborations
Hal David Lyricist and longtime collaborator, together creating classics such as "Walk on By," "I Say a Little Prayer," and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose."
Known for collaborations with singers like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Aretha Franklin, helping to shape their careers with his compositions.
Worked with artists across genres, from Tom Jones to Elvis Costello, showing his versatility as a composer.
Burt Bacharach Grammy Awards
1967 Best Pop Instrumental Performance for Casino Royale
1970 Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
1999 Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "I Still Have That Other Girl" (with Elvis Costello)
2006 Lifetime Achievement Award
3 Most Famous Burt Bacharach Songs
- What the World Needs Now Is Love
- Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head
- Walk on By
Burt Bacharach Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
1970s Bacharach’s partnership with Hal David ends after disagreements over the failed film project Lost Horizon, marking the end of one of pop music's most prolific duos.
1980s Bacharach suffers a setback in popularity but manages a comeback by adapting to contemporary music trends and collaborating with new artists.
2000s Despite advancing age, Bacharach continues to perform live, demonstrating his dedication to music and his enduring appeal to fans across generations.
Burt Bacharach ratings
