Burt Bacharach, one of pop’s greatest songwriters, dies aged 94

Bacharach died on Wednesday (08/02/2023) at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, his publicist Tina Brausam said.

Known for his airborne melodies and sumptuous orchestral arrangements, Bacharach was one of the most important songwriters of the 20th Century.

Over his career, he scored more than 50 chart hits in the US and UK, with artists including Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin and Elvis Costello all recording his songs.

Bacharach won three Oscars, two Golden Globes and six competitive Grammy Awards, and was hailed as music’s “greatest living composer” when he accepted the Grammy lifetime achievement honour in 2008.

Burt and Michael Jackson met in the 70’s and even worked together on one song. Michael Jackson had been accredited to assist Bacharach produce the album ‘Sometimes Late at Night’ in 1981 which feature the song written by Bacharach’s ex wife Carole Bayer Sager. Michael and Burt co-produced the song “Just Friends” for the album which Michael also recorded background vocals.

It was also reported in 2010 that the Producers of the album “Michael”, including co-executor John McClain, sent Burt Bacharach a song Michael recorded with Eddie Cascio called “All I Need.”

The legendary writer-producer went into the studio and added strings, etc. to the track. But it didn’t sound right, sources told, and was ultimately rejected. This is maybe a blessing as we all know that the Cascio tracks were not Michael Jackson vocals.

Rest in piece Burt Bacharach