Burt Bacharach, an American pop composer who personified the dapper, swinging 1960s and 1970s, has died at age 94.
The New York Times says he died at his Los Angeles home. No cause was reported.
Bacharach’s work with lyricist Hal David was known for its sophistication, using the best west coast musicians and a select roster of vocalists to produce meticulously arranged and crafted pop songs that celebrated relationships and a free-spirited lifestyle.
Many of his compositions were made popular by artists such as Tom Jones, Herb Alpert, The Carpenters and Dusty Springfield. He was honored with numerous awards over the years, including multiple Grammys as well as Oscars for his work on the classic movies “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Arthur.”
At a time of cultural upheaval, his pop songs were dismissed by younger audiences as mere lounge or background music, said the Times. However, later generations of pop fans and musicians came to appreciate the works as pop masterpieces.
His profile was revived in the ’90s, when his era and work was celebrated in the massive Austin Powers comedy hit movies. New Wave artist Elvis Costello also sang Bacharach’s pieces, and even collaborated with him on the acclaimed 1998 album “Painted from Memory.”
