Burt Bacharach was an American pianist, composer, and songwriter. He was born on May 12, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in New York City. Throughout his career, which spanned over six decades, he became one of the most successful and recognizable figures in popular music, known for his unique blend of jazz, pop, and classical styles.
Bacharach began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano and composition at the Mannes School of Music in New York City. He went on to study at the Army School of Music, where he became a music arranger for the United States Army Band. After his service in the army, he moved to Los Angeles and began working as a session musician, playing piano for popular artists such as Nat King Cole and Vic Damone.
In the 1950s, Bacharach began to make a name for himself as a composer, working with lyricist Hal David to write songs for various artists. One of their early collaborations, "Magic Moments" by Perry Como, became a hit in 1957, and they continued to write hits for a variety of artists throughout the decade. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that Bacharach and David truly hit their stride. In 1963, they wrote the soundtrack for the film "What's New Pussycat?" which became a massive success, spawning several hit songs, including the title track.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bacharach and David continued to write hit after hit, collaborating with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and B.J. Thomas. Some of their most famous songs include "Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." In total, Bacharach and David wrote over 50 top-40 hits, making them one of the most successful songwriting teams of all time.
In addition to his work with David, Bacharach also collaborated with a variety of other lyricists, including Bob Hilliard, Bob Russell, and Carole Bayer Sager. He also worked on several film and television soundtracks, including the films "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "Arthur." He continued to write and perform music well into the 2000s, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Burt Bacharach died at the age of 94, but his music continues to live on, influencing generations of musicians and inspiring countless others to pick up an instrument and write their own songs. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most innovative composers and songwriters in popular music history.
