BREAKING Burt Bacharach, legendary composer of pop songs, dies at 94
Bacharach was a singularly gifted and popular composer, who delighted millions with the quirky arrangements and unforgettable melodies of "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and more.
Dionne Warwick was his favorite interpreter, but Bacharach, usually in tandem with lyricist Hal David, also created prime material for Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and many others. Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra were among the countless artists who covered his songs, with more recent performers who sung or sampled him including White Stripes, Twista and Ashanti.
Bacharach was well rewarded, and well connected. He was a frequent guest at the White House, whether the president was Republican or Democrat. And in 2012, he was presented the Gershwin Prize by Barack Obama, who had sung a few seconds of "Walk on By" during a campaign appearance. In the 21st century, he was still testing new ground, writing his own lyrics and recording with rapper Dr. Dre.
"They were just so incredibly exciting that all of a sudden, I got into music in a way I never had before," he recalled in the memoir "Anyone Who Had a Heart," published in 2013. "What I heard in those clubs turned my head around." Meanwhile, he had met his ideal songwriter partner - David, as businesslike as Bacharach was mercurial, so domesticated that he would leave each night at 5 to catch the train back to his wife and children on Long Island. Working in a tiny office in Broadway's celebrated Brill Building, they produced their first million-seller, "Magic Moments," sung in 1958 by Perry Como.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Composer Burt Bacharach, known for hits like ‘I Say a Little Prayer,’ dead at 94Legendary composer Burt Bacharach, known for a range of melodies, has died at age 94.
Read more »
Burt Bacharach Dead at 94Burt Bacharach, one of the most prolific composer/songwriters in American history -- responsible for enormous hits like 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' and 'I Say a Little Prayer' -- has died.
Read more »
Burt Bacharach, legendary ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ singer, dead at 94Legendary singer and composer Burt Bacharach, whose hits include “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” has died. He was 94.
Read more »
No, Adele Didn't Walk Out During Harry Styles' Acceptance Speech at the GrammysTwo clips went viral after Harry's big win (via toofab)
Read more »