Burt Bacharach, the acclaimed composer and songwriter behind dozens of mellow pop hits from the 1950s to the 1980s, including “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and the theme from the movie “Arthur,” has died, a family member of Bacharach confirmed to CNN.
He was 94.
Burt Bacharach was a legendary figure in 20th century pop music, known for his wide-ranging musical styles that included Top 40, country, rhythm and blues, and film scores.
In partnership with Hal David, he wrote hit songs for a diverse array of artists including Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, the Carpenters, and Christopher Cross.
Despite being categorized as “easy listening,” his songs were anything but ordinary. With their catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, Bacharach and David’s music became beloved by audiences worldwide.
From “Say a Little Prayer,” “Walk on By,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” to massive hits like “Magic Moments,” “Baby It’s You,” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” Bacharach’s influence on popular music is undeniable.
He was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including six Grammys, three Oscars, and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. In 2008, he was even declared the greatest living composer by the Grammy Awards.
The passing of this musical king has been mourned by many in the music community, with musicians and fans alike paying tribute to his incredible legacy.
As Thomas Burgess wrote, “One of the greatest songwriting legacies in the history of ever… Farewell Burt Bacharach, you were a king.”
The-CNN-Wire
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