“He gave the world so much": Burt Bacharach dies at age 94
Burt Bacharach has died at the age of 94.
According to a statement given to the Associated Press by his publicist Tina Brausman, the legendary music composer passed away peacefully in his California home on Wednesday of natural causes.
His official Instagram page “Team Bacharach,” marked his passing saying, “It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of our father, husband and friend”.
“He gave the world so much, and we are eternally grateful. The music is always there, so please keep listening.”
Bacharach, who was born Kansas City, Missouri, in 1928, won six Grammys and three Oscars during his stellar career, while also recording 73 top 40 hits in the US and 52 in the UK.
Seen as one of the 20th century’s most important composers of popular music, his songs included Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, What the World Needs Now, The Look of Love, (They Long to be) Close to You, Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By and Magic Moments.
He went on to write the movie soundtracks for What’s New, Pussycat?, Alfie and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the latter of which won him his first Oscar in 1970.
Bacharach also wrote songs for musical icons such as Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters and Tom Jones among many others.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Bacharach’s writing partner Dionne Warwick said his death was like “losing a family member”.
“These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my dear friend and my musical partner.”
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”
Image credits: Getty Images