Burt Bacharach, the iconic composer behind beloved songs such as I Say a Little Prayer, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, and What the World Needs Now Is Love, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Over the course of his decades-long career, he created a remarkable body of work, with 73 of his songs reaching the top 40 in the U.S.
A Storied Career
Bacharach, born in New York, was a classically trained musician who also served in the United States Army. His major breakthrough came in 1957 when he met lyricist Hal David. Together, they produced chart-topping hits like The Story of My Life by Marty Robbins and Perry Como’s Magic Moments. These songs became number-one hits in the UK, setting the stage for an extraordinary partnership.
Working with David, Bacharach composed some of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century, including Aretha Franklin’s I Say a Little Prayer, Tom Jones’s What’s New Pussycat?, and Dusty Springfield’s The Look of Love. One of their most famous collaborations, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, performed by B.J. Thomas, won a Grammy and an Oscar for best original score in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Personal Life and Legacy
Bacharach was married four times and is survived by his fourth wife, Jane Hansen, and three of his four children. Tragically, his daughter Nikki Bacharach, from his second marriage, passed away in 2007 at the age of 40.
Burt Bacharach’s incredible contributions to music and his distinctive sound will forever resonate through his timeless songs. Even though he passed away at the age of 94 on February 8th, 2023, his legacy as a legendary composer endures.
