When Did Burt Bacharach Die? Lawrence Dunn, October 16, 2023 Burt Bacharach, the composer best known for his orchestral pop style, has died at 94. He crafted songs for musicians including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Sir Tom Jones and the Carpenters. He also won three Oscars for the music of movies like Alfie and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Born in Kansas City and raised in New York, Bacharach snuck into jazz clubs underage to hear performers such as Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. He served in the US army as a dance band arranger, and when he returned home, worked as piano accompanist to singers such as Vic Damone on the club circuit. He went on to work as an arranger and conductor for Marlene Dietrich while she toured Europe. Bacharach paired with lyricist Hal David from the early 1950s, and their music became a hitmaking machine. They wrote hits such as I Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By and You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine. They won eight Grammy awards and scored three Oscars, among other honors. Their music was the backdrop of decades, from the sultry sounds of the Rat Pack to the soaring ballads of rock and roll. The duo had a rare ability to adapt to changing trends, writing the kind of timeless classics that appealed to younger listeners while remaining popular in the decades to come. They were criticized by some for being too sophisticated and relegated to the background as pop music went more rock-oriented, but they remained an essential part of the American musical landscape. As he aged, Bacharach slowed down and spent more time with family. He made a cameo in Mike Myers’ Austin Powers films and landed a few acting roles. He also adapted his music to the indie drama Po, saying it resonated with the experience of his late daughter Nikki, who had Asperger’s syndrome. He was a frequent guest at the White House, Republican and Democrat, and in 2012 President Barack Obama awarded him and David, who died later that year, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for their contributions to music over decades. Bacharach was married four times and had two children with his third wife, songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, from whom he separated in 2008. He is survived by his fourth wife, Jane Hansen, and their sons Oliver and Raleigh, as well as his son Cristopher from his marriage to Dickinson. He enjoyed watching horse races at Southern California racetracks and was an avid reader. In his final years he had collaborated with composers Daniel Tashian and Steven Sater on projects that earned Grammy nominations. He was an animal lover and loved to visit pet shelters. He also liked to go bowling. Main