Tributes pour in for songwriting legend Burt Bacharach, who has died aged 94

Virgin Radio

10 Feb 2023, 07:31

Burt Bacharach, one of the all-time greatest songwriters, has died at the age of 94. 

The legendary composer died of natural causes on Wednesday 8th February at his home in Los Angeles, with his family at his side, according to his publicist.

Bacharach wrote a vast array of hits, including I Say A Little Prayer, Walk On By, Do You Know The Way To San Jose, What The World Needs Now Is Love, Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head, and I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself. Big names such as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones, and Elvis Costello have all recorded his songs.

Over a celebrated career which spanned seven decades, he won six Grammys - including a lifetime achievement award - and three Oscars.

The music world has been paying tribute to the great composer on social media. Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson posted on Twitter: “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.”

Dionne Warwick said: "Burt’s transition is 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. On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him."

Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess posted a video and said: “One of the greatest songwriting legacies in the history of ever. Farewell Burt Bacharach, you were a king.”

Gilbert O'Sullivan posted: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Burt Bacharach. He along with Hal David were and still are a huge influence on my songwriting career. Not a week goes by without me putting on a Bacharach collections CD. Timeless melodies never to be forgotten.”

Sheryl Crow wrote: “One of the great thrills and honors of my life was getting to know @BurtBacharach - one of the greatest songwriters of all time. There will never be anyone like him and as a songwriter, he set the bar. Burt, you will be missed but your music will live on. My love to his family.”

The Gallagher brothers both paid tribute, with Noel writing on Instagram: “RIP Maestro. It was a pleasure to have known you NGX.” Liam posted the below on Twitter:

Grammy winner Christopher Cross posted: "Burt Bacharach was a genuine musical genius—his harmonic and rhythmic style was truly unique. Burt was incredibly prolific and the world is richer for him. I am deeply humbled to have collaborated with Burt and honored to have known him. May his memory be a blessing."

Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall wrote: “Farewell Genius”.

Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet said: "Ah Burt Bacharach, what a songwriter, arranger and gifted man. Thank you for the songs, me and my mum spent many a night listening and singing your songs together, great memories. The power of his music and the lyrics of Hal David, what a partnership. A sad day. L2L Marti x"

Bacharach is survived by his wife Jane Hansen and their children Oliver and Raleigh, as well as his son Cristopher from his previous marriage to Bayer Sager.