Burt Bacharach, composer of I say a little prayer for you, has died
Sylvie Claire / February 10, 2023
Burt Bacharach, legendary American composer of the hits "I say a little prayer for you" or "Raindrops keep fallin' on my head", died at 94 years, announced Thursday his agent.
Collaborator fetish of Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach had also worked with Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, but also Elvis Costello.
He died Wednesday "peacefully, at home, with his family by his side," his agent Tina Brausman confirmed to AFP, saying his death was due to natural causes.
Noel Gallagher, the former guitarist-songwriter of Oasis, paid tribute to the "maestro". "It was a pleasure to have known you," he wrote on Instagram.
Billy Corgan, the historic leader of the Smashing Pumpkins, hailed a "titan of beautiful and natural song," while Paul Stanley of Kiss spoke of "the treasure trove of extraordinary songs that he leaves us.
Pianist passionate about jazz, born on May 12, 1928 in Kansas City (Missouri), Burt Bacharach studied the art of composition in several American universities. After working on Marlene Dietrich's tours, he met in 1957 the lyricist Hal David, with whom he formed a mythical duo. Between 1962 and 1968, they recorded 15 songs together in the American Top 40.
They also won the hearts of Hollywood, winning two Oscars in 1970 for the music of the film "Butch Cassidy and the Kid" and its original song "Raindrops keep fallin' on my head". Burt Bacharach won a second one in 1982.
His unforgettable melodies leave a mark 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 ».