By Chris King • Updated: 09 Feb 2023 • 16:49 • 2 minutes read
Revised pay offer from Welsh Government sees teachers in Wales call off strike action
The legendary American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist Burt Bacharach passed away today, Thursday, February 9 at the age of 94. He was responsible for some of the most memorable hits songs of all time.
His collaboration with Hal David – which began in 1957 – is the stuff of legend. During a music career of more than 70 years, he racked up three Oscars, six Grammys, and a lifetime achievement award.
Bacharach’s list of hits is beyond impressive, having composed songs for, among others, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, and Cilla Black. Hits including ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘Walk On By’, and ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose’ are among his catalogue of accomplishments.
One of his first jobs saw Bacharach working with Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich in the early 1950s. He then hooked up with lyricist Hal David, and the rest is pure music history. From 1961 onward, the pair wrote 39 hits for music legend Dionne Warwick.
#FlashbackFriday Dionne Warwick performing “One Less Bell To Answer,” written by Burt Bacharach, on The Carol Burnett Show in 1971. pic.twitter.com/QG9TF8duYY — Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) November 18, 2022
#FlashbackFriday Dionne Warwick performing “One Less Bell To Answer,” written by Burt Bacharach, on The Carol Burnett Show in 1971. pic.twitter.com/QG9TF8duYY
— Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) November 18, 2022
Happy birthday to my dear friend, the late Marlene Dietrich. You are loved and you are missed. 🎂❤️ pic.twitter.com/O25bf3Atsv — Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) December 27, 2022
Happy birthday to my dear friend, the late Marlene Dietrich. You are loved and you are missed. 🎂❤️ pic.twitter.com/O25bf3Atsv
— Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) December 27, 2022
He was still touring well into his later years, bringing the songs of yesteryear to a brand new audience in some cases. In 2015, he even took to the iconic pyramid stage at Glastonbury.
Keeping in touch with music styles, Bacharach found himself working with an eclectic mix of stars. These included Dr Dre, Elvis Costello, and Sheryl Crow, all of whom benefitted from his genius.
Our music-making process @ElvisCostello 🎹🎶 📸: William Claxton pic.twitter.com/4jFClaZ2Xg — Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) January 31, 2023
Our music-making process @ElvisCostello 🎹🎶
📸: William Claxton pic.twitter.com/4jFClaZ2Xg
— Burt Bacharach (@BurtBacharach) January 31, 2023
The legendary Radio One DJ Tony Blackburn tweeted: “How sad that Burt Bacharach has passed away, I loved his music more than any other composer. R.I.P. and thanks for the hours of pleasure listening and playing your very special music”.
How sad that Burt Bacharach has passed away, I loved his music more than any other composer. R.I.P. and thanks for the hours of pleasure listening and playing your very special music pic.twitter.com/co5Ey2RdIl — Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) February 9, 2023
How sad that Burt Bacharach has passed away, I loved his music more than any other composer. R.I.P. and thanks for the hours of pleasure listening and playing your very special music pic.twitter.com/co5Ey2RdIl
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) February 9, 2023
Simply Red posted: “Farewell Genius.. RIP #BurtBacharach“.
Farewell Genius.. RIP #BurtBacharach pic.twitter.com/cBifd5j2nf — Simply Red ❤️ (@SimplyRedHQ) February 9, 2023
Farewell Genius.. RIP #BurtBacharach pic.twitter.com/cBifd5j2nf
— Simply Red ❤️ (@SimplyRedHQ) February 9, 2023
Scottish recording artist Elaine Paige wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of @BurtBacharach His songwriting was part of the soundtrack to my life. Songs such as Alfie, The Look of Love, Arthur’s Theme, Close To You & so many more including his only stage musical Promises, Promises. The angels will be singing tonight! RIP Burt”.
Sad to hear of the death of @BurtBacharach His songwriting was part of the soundtrack to my life. Songs such as Alfie, The Look of Love, Arthur's Theme, Close To You & so many more including his only stage musical Promises, Promises. The angels will be singing tonight! RIP Burt pic.twitter.com/QgYNiiRj0e — Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) February 9, 2023
Sad to hear of the death of @BurtBacharach His songwriting was part of the soundtrack to my life. Songs such as Alfie, The Look of Love, Arthur's Theme, Close To You & so many more including his only stage musical Promises, Promises. The angels will be singing tonight! RIP Burt pic.twitter.com/QgYNiiRj0e
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) February 9, 2023
___________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.