Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach (Burt Freeman Bacharach) was born on May 12th, 1928. Burt passed away February 8th, 2023 at 94 years old. Burt Bacharach was born in Kansas City, MO, USA. Bacharach attended McGill University where he received an Associate of Music degree. He also studied at the Mannes School of Music and the Music Academy of the West.
Burt Bacharach was a composer, pianist, record producer, songwriter, and widely considered to be one of the most influential and important figures of 20th century popular music.
Burt composed hundreds of pop songs, many of which with lyricist Hal David. Burt’s music features atypical chord progressions and time signature changes, influenced by his background in jazz, and uncommon selections of instruments for small orchestras. He arranged, produced, and conducted much of his recorded output.
Starting in the 50s, he and Hal worked with Gene McDaniels, Marty Robbins, Perry Como, Jerry Butler. From 1961 to 1972, much of the duo’s hits were tailored for Dionne Warwick. After the initial success of these collaborations, he wrote hits for sings like Tom Jones, B. J. Thomas, Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, and Dusty Springfield. In all, he wrote 52 US Top 40 hits.
More than 1,000 artists have recorded his songs. He was a significant figure in easy listening and orchestral pop, he influenced genres like chamber pop, sunshine pop/soft rock.
Burt won 3 Academy Awards, 6 Grammys, and an Emmy Award.
Rolling Stone ranked him and Hal at 32 for their “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” list in 2015. They also received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2012, the first time such an honor was given to a songwriting team.
Anyone Who Had a Heart: My Life and Music. From the tragic loss of his daughter to his tumultuous marriages and the surprising stories behind the songs which generations have come to love and know, Burt offers a moving and frank account of an unparalleled life.
Over six decades, his legendary songwriting touched millions of his devoted listeners all around the world. In this book, he steps out from behind the music to give us an engaging and honest glimpse at his life, from his childhood in Forest Hills, New York, during the 30s and 40s to his rise as one of the most accomplished composers in modern popular music, working with Elvis Costello, Hal David, and Dionne Warwick, as well as others.
As he soared professionally, his private life was dominated by this never-ending quest to find love, and the heartbreak which comes once it’s lost. His first three marriages ended in divorce. Burt’s long running partnership with Hal David suffered a bitter split which lasted 17 years. Throughout highs and lows, Burt pursued his muse. Honest and powerful, this book illuminates the intelligence and sensitivity of a musical legend and offers up a unique backstage glimpse at the world of show business.
Burt Bacharach: F.A.Q
When was Burt Bacharach Born?
Burt Bacharach was born on May 12th, 1928.
When did Burt Bacharach die?
Burt Bacharach died on February 8th, 2023 at 94 years old.
Where was Burt Bacharach Born?
Burt Bacharach was born in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What was the first book Burt Bacharach wrote?
The first book written by Burt Bacharach was Anyone Who Had a Heart, published in 2011.
What was the most recent book Burt Bacharach wrote?
His most recently released work was What the World Needs Now Is Love (a short story) on December 26th, 2017.
How many books has Burt Bacharach written?
Burt Bacharach has written 2 books. 1 book in the Children's Books, 1 Non-Fiction Books.