Musical powerhouse Burt Bacharach has died at 94 years old.
Even if one doesn’t recognize his name, there is a strong chance Bacharach‘s musical legacy has affected music listeners in some way. Bacharach wore many hats; having been in the music business since the 1950’s, Bacharach is responsible for writing many of the most well-known songs of the last century. Bacharach and songwriter Hal David worked together for decades.
It would be an understatement to say Bacharach’s death leaves a noticeable void within the music industry. When news of his passing broke on Thursday morning, tributes to Bacharach’s legacy flooded social media.
From fans, to those who have worked with him during his seven decades in the music industry, his legacy is being remembered.
What Are Some Notable Examples Of Bacharach’s Songwriting?
Bacharach’s mark on popular culture was mighty!
He wrote Dionne Warwick‘s “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.” In addition to the numerous covers of both songs, they both experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past 30 years. The former song was memorably featured in the Julia Roberts romcom classic, “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and the latter song was memorably featured in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.”
The version featured in the film was performed by Elvis Costello, a frequent collaborator of Bacharach’s, and admirer of his work. The duo released an album together in the late 1990s. As of this writing, Costello has yet to make a statement on Bacharach’s passing.
Bacharach’s Legacy Was Honored By Some Of Music’s Most Legendary Names
Beach Boy and renowned songwriter Brian Wilson tweeted a tribute to Bacharach earlier this morning.
I’m so sad to hear about Burt Bacharach. Burt was a hero of mine and very influential on my work. He was a giant in the music business. His songs will live forever. Love & Mercy to Burt’s family. pic.twitter.com/yYGY3bGNSw
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 9, 2023
“I’m so sad to hear about Burt Bacharach. Burt was a hero of mine and very influential on my work. He was a giant in the music business. His songs will live forever. Love and mercy to Burt’s family.”
Author (and Mike’s brother) Paul Myers, tweeted, “I will have a lot more to say about Burt Bacharach over the next days weeks and years. Even more than the Beatles, Bacharach was the innovator who showed us a new range of melodic possibilities and harmonic invention in the popular song.”
The Kinks’ Dave Davies tweeted, “Very sad day, probably one of the most influential songwriters of our time. He was a great inspiration. Rest in peace Burt Bacharach.”
Jason Alexander wrote, “Burt Bacharach is a singular brilliant light. I’ve savored and sung his music all my life. I could spot his songs instantly from his beloved piano and horns, and his jazzy, unique beats. He left us a treasure trove of songs to be cherished. Thank you, Mr. B.”
Actor John Fugelsang provided his Twitter followers with a list of further songs written by Bacharach.
In addition to Aretha Franklin’s version of “I Say A Little Prayer,” Fugelsang included Bacharach and Costello’s collaboration, “God Give Me Strength,” Warwick’s “Walk On By,” 1980’s classic “There’s Always Something To Remind Me” by Naked Eyes, Christopher Cross’s “Arthur’s Theme,” and The Beatles’ version of “Baby It’s You” just to name a few.
Music journalist Matt Pinfield tweeted, “Burt Bacharach has passed away. He was an absolute musical genius and gifted us with so many songs in his amazing career. Along with lyricist Hal David, Burt wrote some of the greatest songs of the 1960’s. A legend has left us.”
Singer/songwriter and frontwoman of The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs, tweeted a photo of Bacharach. “Peace and love, Burt Bacharach,” she wrote.
Songwriter Diane Warren tweeted, “The Songwriting world has lost its Beethoven today. Compose in power forever Burt Bacharach.”
The official Twitter account for the Royal Albert Hall tweeted, “We’re sad to hear of Burt Bacharach’s passing. The iconic songwriter and composer headlined the Hall in ’97 and his music has been performed here by artists like Dionne Warwick, Paul Simon, and Lianne La Havas. His profound impact on the industry will continue to be felt.”
The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan wrote, “RIP Burt Bacharach. A titan of beautiful and effortless song.”
Pianist Mike Garson, who has worked with a number of famous artists, tweeted, “Burt Bacharach has passed away. He was an extremely gifted writer with a beautiful understanding of classical music and form- one of my favorite songwriters. He asked me to be the pianist for his Broadway show ‘Promises Promises.’ Like an idiot, I turned it down.”
Musician Rick Astley tweeted, “We use the term ‘Legend’ too often but in the case of Burt Bacharach it’s the only word that fits. RIP Burt, your gorgeous music will live on forever…”
