History of Burt Bacharach in Timeline
Burt Freeman Bacharach was a highly influential American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist known for his significant contributions to 20th-century popular music. His partnership with lyricist Hal David produced numerous hit songs beginning in the 1950s. Bacharach's music is notable for its unique chord changes, influenced by jazz, and distinctive orchestral arrangements, which he often conducted and produced himself.
May 12, 1928: Burt Bacharach's Birth
On May 12, 1928, Burt Freeman Bacharach was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He would become a celebrated figure in 20th-century popular music.
1937: Original "Lost Horizon" Film Released
The original dramatic adventure film "Lost Horizon" premiered in 1937. The film's enduring legacy would later inspire a 1973 musical remake, for which Bacharach and David composed the music.
1946: Graduation from Forest Hills High School
Burt Bacharach graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1946, marking the end of his high school years.
1948: Associate of Music Degree
Burt Bacharach earned his Associate of Music degree from McGill University in Montreal in 1948.
1953: Bacharach's First Marriage to Paula Stewart
Burt Bacharach's first marriage was to Paula Stewart in 1953. The marriage lasted for five years.
1956: Partnership with Hal David Begins
Burt Bacharach and Hal David began their songwriting partnership in 1956 while working at the Brill Building in New York City, marking the beginning of a prolific collaboration that would span decades.
1956: Collaboration with Marlene Dietrich
In 1956, a significant opportunity arose for Burt Bacharach when he became Marlene Dietrich's arranger and conductor for her nightclub performances, leading to his first major recognition in the music industry.
1957: "The Story of My Life" Becomes a Hit
Bacharach and David celebrated their first major success in 1957 when Marty Robbins's recording of their song "The Story of My Life" topped the Billboard Country Chart.
1957: Early Success with Various Artists
Between 1957 and 1963, Bacharach and David enjoyed success with artists such as Marty Robbins, Perry Como, Gene McDaniels, and Jerry Butler.
1958: Bacharach and Paula Stewart Divorce
Burt Bacharach and Paula Stewart divorced in 1958, ending their five-year marriage.
1961: Discovery of Dionne Warwick
In a pivotal moment in 1961, Burt Bacharach discovered Dionne Warwick, who was then working as a backup singer. This encounter would blossom into one of the most successful partnerships in music history.
1961: Collaborations with Bob Hilliard and Recognition as Arranger and Producer
During the early 1960s, Burt Bacharach collaborated with lyricist Bob Hilliard, producing hits like "Please Stay" and "Tower of Strength." This period also saw his first credit as an arranger and producer for the song "Three Wheels on My Wagon."
1961: Start of Bacharach and David's Collaboration with Dionne Warwick
1961 marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Burt Bacharach, Hal David, and Dionne Warwick, resulting in a string of hit songs.
1962: More Hits with Bob Hilliard
Bacharach and Hilliard continued their success in 1962 with songs such as "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)" and "Mexican Divorce."
1962: Formation of Blue JAC Productions and Warwick's Debut
Driven by their shared belief in Dionne Warwick's talent, Bacharach and David formed Blue JAC Productions in 1962. This led to Warwick's solo recording debut with the hit song "Don't Make Me Over."
1963: Expansion of Collaborations
After their initial success, Bacharach and David expanded their collaborations, writing hits for artists like Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and B.J. Thomas.
1965: Bacharach Marries Angie Dickinson
Burt Bacharach married actress Angie Dickinson in 1965, marking the start of his second marriage.
1965: Bacharach's Solo Debut
Burt Bacharach released his debut solo album, "Hit Maker!: Burt Bacharach Plays the Burt Bacharach Hits," in 1965.
1966: Bacharach and David Create Television Musical "On the Flip Side"
In 1966, Bacharach and David ventured into television with their musical "On the Flip Side," which aired on the anthology program "ABC Stage 67." Starring Ricky Nelson and Joanie Sommers, the production showcased their ability to create engaging musical experiences for different mediums.
1966: Bacharach Scores "After the Fox"
In 1966, Bacharach composed the score for the heist comedy "After the Fox," further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after film composer.
1966: Birth of Lea Nikki Bacharach
Lea Nikki Bacharach, Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickinson's daughter, was born prematurely in 1966. Nikki, who had Asperger syndrome, tragically died by suicide in 2007 after battling depression.
1967: Bacharach Scores "Casino Royale"
Burt Bacharach composed the score for the 1967 James Bond parody film "Casino Royale."
1967: Signing with A&M Records
Bacharach joined A&M Records in 1967 as both an artist and producer, embarking on a new chapter in his career.
1967: Bacharach's Music Enhances James Bond Parody "Casino Royale"
Bacharach's music graced the silver screen once again in 1967 with his score for the James Bond spy parody "Casino Royale." The soundtrack, featuring memorable tracks like "The Look of Love" performed by Dusty Springfield and the instrumental title song, is highly regarded for its exceptional audio engineering.
1968: "Promises, Promises" Musical Premieres on Broadway
Bacharach and David's musical "Promises, Promises" debuted on Broadway in 1968. The production, born out of a collaboration with producer David Merrick, featured hit songs like the title tune and the chart-topping "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." Notably, Bacharach's dedication to the project was evident as he worked on the music despite battling pneumonia.
1968: "This Guy's in Love with You" Tops the Charts
Burt Bacharach's composition "This Guy's in Love with You," performed by Herb Alpert, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968.
1968: "This Guy's in Love with You" Tops the Charts
Herb Alpert's rendition of Bacharach and David's "This Guy's in Love with You" reached the pinnacle of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968. The song's success marked a significant milestone for Alpert, who was primarily known for his trumpet playing and leadership of the Tijuana Brass, and his label, A&M Records.
1968: Jazz and Rock Adaptations of Bacharach's Music
In 1968, Bacharach's music transcended genre boundaries as jazz and rock artists embraced his compositions. Notably, Stan Getz released an entire album featuring Bacharach and David's songs. This unexpected crossover highlighted the versatility and enduring appeal of Bacharach's music.
November 1969: Bacharach's Television Specials Begin
Bacharach's music and persona captivated television audiences as his work became the focus of multiple U.S. network television specials. Beginning in November 1969, these specials, spanning networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS, solidified his presence in the public eye.
1969: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" Achieves Number One
B.J. Thomas's rendition of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," written by Bacharach and David, soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
1969: Bacharach's "Nikki" Becomes Theme for ABC Movie of the Week
Harry Betts rearranged Burt Bacharach's instrumental composition "Nikki," named after Bacharach's daughter, into a new theme for the ABC Movie of the Week, a television series that premiered in 1969.
1969: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" Wins Oscar
The year 1969 marked a pinnacle of success for Bacharach and David's collaboration with the Academy Award-winning song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." Featured prominently in the acclaimed film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," the song's popularity soared.
1970: "(They Long to Be) Close to You" Hits Number One
The Carpenters' version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You," penned by Bacharach and David, climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.
1970: Newsweek Features Bacharach in Cover Story
Bacharach's influence on the music scene was undeniable, as evidenced by his 1970 cover story in Newsweek magazine. The publication's recognition, with the title "The Music Man 1970," solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary music.
1971: Bacharach Collaborates with Barbra Streisand for Television Special
In 1971, Bacharach shared the stage with renowned singer Barbra Streisand for the television special "Singer Presents Burt Bacharach." Their collaboration included insightful discussions about their careers and favorite songs, culminating in captivating joint performances. The special also featured notable guests such as dancers Rudolph Nureyev and Bettie de Jong, as well as singer Tom Jones, further elevating its prestige.
1971: Dionne Warwick's Record Contract Affected by Bacharach and David's Dispute
The professional conflict between Bacharach and David had significant repercussions for Dionne Warwick, whose 1971 contract with Warner Bros. Records hinged on their collaborative efforts as her production team. Their inability to fulfill the terms of the agreement due to their strained relationship jeopardized Warwick's standing with the label and resulted in legal disputes that took years to resolve.
1972: End of Bacharach and David's Primary Collaboration with Dionne Warwick
After a successful run, Bacharach and David's primary collaboration with Dionne Warwick concluded in 1972, although they would work together again in later years.
1973: "Lost Horizon" Film and Professional Conflicts
Bacharach and David collaborated on the music for the 1973 musical remake of "Lost Horizon." However, during production, conflicts arose over profit sharing, leading to a strain on their partnership. This eventually led to a decline in their collaboration and had legal ramifications for their professional relationship with Dionne Warwick.
January 1974: Bacharach's Television Specials Conclude
By January 1974, Bacharach's television specials concluded, having showcased his musical talents and charisma to a wide audience over several years. These appearances contributed to his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1974: Bacharach and Warwick Reunite Briefly for Unreleased Recordings
Amidst ongoing lawsuits, Bacharach and Warwick briefly reunited in 1974 to record new music. However, these recordings remained unreleased until 2013.
1975: Bacharach and David Briefly Reunite for Stephanie Mills Album
Bacharach and David's professional relationship saw a brief resurgence in 1975 when they reunited to work on Stephanie Mills' second album, "For The First Time," released by Motown. This collaboration marked a temporary reconciliation amidst their ongoing artistic separation.
1975: Bacharach Explores New Collaborations
Following the end of his partnership with David, Bacharach embarked on a new chapter in his career, seeking inspiration from collaborations with a diverse group of lyricists, including Paul Anka, James J. Kavanaugh, Norman Gimbel, Libby Titus, Anthony Newley, and Neil Simon. This period of exploration reflected his willingness to embrace new creative partnerships and musical directions.
1976: ABC Movie of the Week Concludes
The ABC Movie of the Week, a television series that featured a theme based on Burt Bacharach's "Nikki," concluded in 1976.
1978: Conclusion of Solo Recordings with A&M Records
Burt Bacharach's period of releasing solo albums with A&M Records came to an end in 1978.
1980: Bacharach Collaborates with Carole Bayer Sager on "Where Did the Time Go"
The year 1980 marked the beginning of a fruitful personal and professional partnership between Bacharach and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. Their first collaboration, "Where Did the Time Go," performed by The Pointer Sisters, achieved commercial success.
1980: Bacharach Releases Solo Albums
Throughout the late 1970s, Bacharach continued to release solo albums, including "Futures" and "Woman." However, these albums failed to achieve the commercial success of his earlier work.
1981: Bacharach and Bayer Sager Collaborate on "Sometimes Late at Night" Album
Bacharach and Bayer Sager's collaborative synergy was evident in Bayer Sager's 1981 album, "Sometimes Late at Night." The album, featuring 11 songs co-written by the duo, was lauded by music critic Joe Viglione as a groundbreaking work in the singer/songwriter genre and a defining album of adult contemporary music.
1981: Bacharach and Angie Dickinson Divorce
Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickinson's 16-year marriage ended in divorce in 1981. They had been separated for the preceding five years.
1981: "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" Reaches Number One
Christopher Cross's recording of "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981.
1982: Ronnie Milsap's Country Rendition of "Any Day Now"
American country singer Ronnie Milsap released his version of the Bacharach and David song "Any Day Now" in 1982.
1982: Bacharach Marries Carole Bayer Sager
Burt Bacharach entered his third marriage with lyricist Carole Bayer Sager in 1982.
1983: "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me" Covered by Naked Eyes
In 1983, the British pop duo Naked Eyes released their version of Bacharach and Hal David's song "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me," which became a pop hit.
1985: Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager Adopt Cristopher
In 1985, Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager adopted a son named Cristopher Elton Bacharach.
1985: "That's What Friends Are For" Reunites Bacharach, Bayer Sager, and Warwick
In 1985, the trio of Bacharach, Bayer Sager, and Warwick reunited for the hit song "That's What Friends Are For." The song's success not only highlighted their enduring musical chemistry but also demonstrated their ability to create music with a timeless appeal.
1986: "That's What Friends Are For" and "On My Own" Top the Charts
1986 saw two Bacharach compositions reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100: "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and "On My Own" by Carole Bayer Sager.
1991: Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager Divorce
After nine years of marriage, Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager divorced in 1991.
1993: Bacharach Marries Jane Hansen
Burt Bacharach married Jane Hansen, his fourth wife, in 1993.
1993: Bacharach and David Briefly Reunite for Dionne Warwick Album
In 1993, Bacharach and David briefly set aside their past differences to write a song for a new Dionne Warwick album. This collaboration, though fleeting, signaled a willingness to revisit their successful partnership.
1995: Birth of Raleigh Bacharach
Raleigh Bacharach, Burt Bacharach and Jane Hansen's daughter, was born in 1995.
1996: Bacharach and Warwick Reunite for Concerts
Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick reunited in 1996 for a series of sold-out concerts in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City, including a performance at the Rainbow Room.
1996: Bacharach and Elvis Costello Collaborate on "God Give Me Strength"
Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello teamed up in 1996 to write the song "God Give Me Strength" for the film "Grace of My Heart."
1997: Bacharach Appears in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery"
Inspired by Bacharach's music for the 1967 film "Casino Royale," the first installment of the "Austin Powers" series, "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," was released in 1997, featuring a cameo appearance by Burt Bacharach himself. Mike Myers, the film's creator and star, cited Bacharach's song "The Look of Love" as a significant inspiration for the film's 1960s theme.
1998: "Painted from Memory" Album Release and Grammy Win
In 1998, Bacharach and Costello released their collaborative album "Painted from Memory." The album featured songs written in a classic pop style and won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for the song "I Still Have That Other Girl." The same year, Rhino Records also released "The Look of Love," a 3-CD box set featuring a compilation of Bacharach's most popular songs.
1999: Bacharach and David Briefly Reunite for "Isn't She Great" Soundtrack
Bacharach and David's final collaboration took place in 1999 when they contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the film "Isn't She Great." This project marked the last time the duo worked together, adding a bittersweet note to their enduring musical legacy.
2003: Bacharach Produces Ronald Isley's "Here I Am" Album
Burt Bacharach took on the role of arranger and producer for Ronald Isley's album "Here I Am" in 2003. The album primarily featured Isley's renditions of Bacharach's hit songs from the 1960s.
2005: Bacharach Releases Solo Album "At This Time"
"At This Time," Burt Bacharach's solo album, was released in 2005, marking a departure from his previous works. For the first time, Bacharach penned his own lyrics, some of which explored political themes. The album featured guest appearances by Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and Dr. Dre.
2006: Bacharach Appears on "American Idol"
Burt Bacharach appeared as a celebrity performer and guest vocal coach on the television show "American Idol" during its 2006 season. One episode was dedicated entirely to his music.
2007: Lea Nikki Bacharach's Death
Lea Nikki Bacharach, Burt Bacharach's daughter, tragically passed away in 2007 at 40. She had struggled with depression for many years and had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.
2008: Bacharach Performs at BBC Electric Proms, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and with Sydney Symphony
Beyond his appearance at the BBC Electric Proms, Burt Bacharach held similar performances in 2008 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and with the Sydney Symphony.
2008: Bacharach Opens BBC Electric Proms
Burt Bacharach opened the BBC Electric Proms at The Roundhouse in London in 2008, performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra and guest vocalists Adele, Beth Rowley, and Jamie Cullum. The concert celebrated Bacharach's six-decade-long career.
2009: Bacharach Collaborates with Karima Ammar
In early 2009, Burt Bacharach worked with Italian soul singer Karima Ammar, producing her debut single, "Come In Ogni Ora."
2012: Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
In 2012, Burt Bacharach and Hal David were jointly awarded the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, marking the first time this honor was bestowed upon a songwriting duo.
2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred in 2012, prompting the creation of the Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing gun violence.
2013: Unreleased Bacharach and Warwick Recordings from 1974 Released
In 2013, the recordings made by Bacharach and Warwick during their brief reunion in 1974 were finally unveiled to the public. These releases offered a glimpse into their creative synergy during a period marked by personal and professional challenges.
2013: Bacharach Reflects on "Lost Horizon" Conflicts in Memoir
In his 2013 memoir, Bacharach provided insights into the conflicts that arose during the production of "Lost Horizon." He expressed his dissatisfaction with the profit-sharing arrangement, particularly regarding his contributions to the film's underscore music, which he felt were not adequately compensated. His decision to seek a larger share of the profits led to a rift with David, ultimately impacting their collaborative dynamic.
2013: Bacharach Discusses End of Partnership with Mitch Albom
During a 2013 interview with author Mitch Albom, Bacharach offered candid reflections on the dissolution of his partnership with David. His insights shed light on the factors that contributed to their artistic separation.
2013: Bacharach Publishes Autobiography
Burt Bacharach's autobiography, titled "Anyone Who Had a Heart," was published in 2013, offering insights into his life and career.
June 2015: Bacharach Performs at Glastonbury Festival and Launches "What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined"
In June 2015, Burt Bacharach graced the stage at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK. A few weeks later, he appeared at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark, South London, to launch "What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined," a 90-minute live performance featuring new arrangements of his hit songs.
2015: Bacharach and David Ranked Among Greatest Songwriters
Rolling Stone magazine recognized Burt Bacharach and Hal David's immense contribution to music by ranking them 32nd on their list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time in 2015.
2016: Bacharach Composes Score for "A Boy Called Po"
At 88 years old, Burt Bacharach composed and arranged his first original score in 16 years for the film "A Boy Called Po" in 2016, collaborating with composer Joseph Bauer. The film, a true story about a child with autism, deeply resonated with Bacharach, who had a daughter with Asperger syndrome.
September 1, 2017: Release of "A Boy Called Po" Score
"A Boy Called Po's" score, composed and arranged by Burt Bacharach, was released on September 1, 2017. The score included the theme song "Dancing with Your Shadow," which Bacharach composed with lyrics by Billy Mann and performed by Sheryl Crow.
2018: Bacharach and Costello Reunite for "Look Now" Album
Elvis Costello released his album "Look Now" in 2018, which featured collaborations with Burt Bacharach on several tracks, marking another reunion for the duo.
2018: Bacharach Releases "Live to See Another Day" in Support of Sandy Hook Promise
In 2018, Burt Bacharach released "Live to See Another Day," a song co-written with Rudy Pérez and featuring the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to survivors of school gun violence, the proceeds from the release were donated to the charity Sandy Hook Promise.
July 2020: Bacharach and Daniel Tashian Release "Blue Umbrella" EP
July 2020 marked the release of "Blue Umbrella," an EP born from the collaboration between Burt Bacharach and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Tashian. This marked Bacharach's first release of new material in 15 years. The EP earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
February 8, 2023: Burt Bacharach's Death
Burt Bacharach passed away on February 8, 2023, leaving behind an incredible legacy in the world of music.
March 2023: Release of "The Songs of Bacharach & Costello" Collection
March 2023 saw the release of "The Songs of Bacharach & Costello," a collection of collaborations between Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. The collection features 16 tracks, including selections from their proposed stage musical, "Taken From Life."