The music and entertainment world has lost a true legend of his craft. It has now been confirmed that renowned singer/songwriter/composer, Burt Bacharach, has passed away at the age of 94.
Burt is best remembered as one of the 20th century's most revered and important musical acts. His name and legacy will live on for generations through his impressive catalog and in the hearts and memories of those he leaves behind.
Burt passed peacefully in his home of natural causes, surrounded by close friends and family members. His iconic career spanned more than four decades, during which he wrote and composed songs for some of the 20th century's most important and impactful artists. Without Burt, the world may have never come to know a multitude of groundbreaking and revered musicians, including the likes of Tom Jones and Neil Diamond.
Some of Burt's biggest and most successful songs include "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head," "(They Long To Be) Close to You," and the theme from the movie Arthur. The easy-listening legend, alongside collaborator Hal David, is also responsible for Tom Jones' "What's New Pussycat?" as well as Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now is Love.”
Burt played himself in the film and can be seen performing "What The World Needs Now Is Love" atop a double-decker bus while Austin dines with Ms. Kensington. Burt was even invited back for the sequel, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, for a memorable rendition of Dionne Warwick's "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," opposite Elvis Costello.
Burt's musical resume includes six Grammys and three Academy Awards, as well as the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which he received alongside Hal David—presented by the Library of Congress. In 2008, Burt was bestowed the title of "Greatest Living Composer" by the Grammys.
Burt's lifelong friend and frequent collaborator, Dionne Warwick, likened the loss of Burt to losing a family member. "My heartfelt condolences goes[sic] out to his family letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him," Warwick told CNN.
