He had notably composed the tubes I say a little prayer for you Or Raindrops keep falling on my head. Burt Bacharach, legendary American composer, has died at the age of 94, his agent announced on Thursday. Favorite collaborator of Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach had also worked with Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, but also Elvis Costello.
He died on Wednesday “peacefully, at home, with his family by his side”, confirmed his agent Tina Brausman, specifying that his death was due to natural causes. Noel Gallagher, the former guitarist-composer of Oasis, paid tribute to the “maestro”. “It was a pleasure to have known you,” he wrote on Instagram.
A “song titan”
Billy Corgan, historic leader of the Smashing Pumpkins, hailed a “titan of beautiful and natural song”, while Paul Stanley, of the group Kiss, spoke of “the treasure, composed of extraordinary songs, that he leaves us”. Pianist passionate about jazz, born May 12, 1928 in Kansas City (Missouri), Burt Bacharach studied the art of composition at several American universities.
After having worked on the tours of Marlene Dietrich, he met the lyricist Hal David in 1957, with whom he formed a legendary duo. Between 1962 and 1968, they ranked together 15 titles in the American Top 40.
A “giant of the music industry”
They also won the hearts of Hollywood, winning two Oscars in 1970 for the film’s music. Butch Cassidy and the Kid and its original song Raindrops keep falling on my head. Burt Bacharach won a second in 1982.
His unforgettable melodies leave an imprint on the music world, marking artists like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. “Burt was one of my heroes, and had a great influence on my work”, reacted Thursday the latter, “saddened” by the death of this “giant of the music industry”.