Burt Bacharach Biography: Songs, Spouse, Movies, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Age, Ethnicity, Awards, Height, Children

Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist who became renowned for his contributions to 20th-century popular music.

His collaborations with lyricist Hal David resulted in numerous chart-topping hits, establishing him as a significant figure in the music industry.

Bacharach’s work with vocalist Dionne Warwick, producing classics like “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” played a pivotal role in his rise to fame.

Profile

• Full name: Burt Freeman Bacharach
• Date of birth: May 12, 1928
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• State of origin: Missouri
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Composer, songwriter, record producer, pianist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father: Bert Bacharach; Mother: Irma Freeman
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Angie Dickinson (m. 1965; div. 1981)
• Children: Lea Nikki Bacharach
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Jewish
• Ethnicity: Jewish
• Net worth: $160 million

Early Life and Education

Burt Bacharach was born on May 12, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of Bert Bacharach, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, and Irma Freeman, a painter and songwriter. In 1932, the family relocated to Kew Gardens in Queens, New York.

From a young age, Bacharach was exposed to music, with his mother insisting he take piano lessons starting at the age of 12. Despite his initial reluctance, this foundation paved the way for his future musical endeavors. He attended Forest Hills High School in New York City.

After high school, Bacharach pursued formal music education. He studied at McGill University in Montreal, where he further honed his skills in music theory and composition.

He continued his studies at the New School for Social Research in New York and the Mannes School of Music. During this period, he had the opportunity to learn from notable composers such as Darius Milhaud, Bohuslav Martinů, and Henry Cowell.

Personal Life

Burt Bacharach was married four times. His second marriage was to actress Angie Dickinson in 1965. The couple had one daughter, Lea Nikki Bacharach, born in 1966.

Nikki, as she was known, faced challenges throughout her life, including struggles with mental health, and tragically passed away in 2007. Bacharach and Dickinson divorced in 1981.

Career

Burt Bacharach’s career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on popular music. In the 1950s, he worked as a pianist, arranger, and conductor for notable artists, including Marlene Dietrich.

His collaboration with lyricist Hal David began in the late 1950s and proved to be one of the most successful partnerships in music history. Together, they crafted numerous hits, many of which were performed by Dionne Warwick. Songs like “Walk On By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” and “I Say a Little Prayer” became classics and showcased Bacharach’s ability to blend complex melodies with accessible lyrics.

Beyond his work with David and Warwick, Bacharach composed music for films and Broadway. He wrote the score for the 1968 musical “Promises, Promises,” which included hits like the title track. In 1969, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” featured in the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”

Throughout his career, Bacharach’s compositions were recorded by a diverse array of artists, including The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, B.J. Thomas, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Herb Alpert, The Drifters, and Luther Vandross.

Awards and Recognitions

Burt Bacharach’s contributions to music earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He won six Grammy Awards, including:

• Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Alfie” in 1968
• Song of the Year and Best Score for a Motion Picture for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” in 1970
• Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “I Still Have That Other Girl” with Elvis Costello in 1998
• Best Pop Instrumental Album for “At This Time” in 2006

In addition to his Grammys, Bacharach won three Academy Awards:

• Best Original Song for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” in 1970
• Best Original Score for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” in 1970
• Best Original Song for “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” in 1982

He was also honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2012, recognizing his lifetime achievements in music.

Net Worth

Burt Bacharach’s net worth was estimated to be around $160 million

Death

Burt Bacharach passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 94. He died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California, USA.

His passing marked the end of an era for popular music, and tributes poured in from musicians, fans, and industry figures worldwide, acknowledging his immense contribution to the music industry.

Social Media

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Filmography

Burt Bacharach contributed to the immensely cinema primarily through film scores and original soundtracks. Some of his most notable film contributions include:

• What’s New Pussycat? (1965) – Provided the title song, performed by Tom Jones.
• Casino Royale (1967) – Composed the score, which included “The Look of Love,” performed by Dusty Springfield.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – Wrote the Oscar-winning song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
• Arthur (1981) – Co-wrote “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” which won an Academy Award.
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) and its sequels – Made cameo appearances as himself, playing the piano and performing his classic hits.

Discography

• Reach Out (1967)
• Make It Easy on Yourself (1969)
• Burt Bacharach (1971)
• Living Together (1973)
• Futures (1977)
• Painted from Memory (1998) (with Elvis Costello)
• At This Time (2005)

Books

• Anyone Who Had a Heart: My Life and Music (2013)