Burt Bacharach's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Burt Bacharach.

Burt Bacharach was a highly influential American composer, songwriter, producer, and pianist. He began his career in the 1950s and, often collaborating with lyricist Hal David, created hundreds of popular songs. His music stood out due to its distinctive chord progressions, shifting time signatures influenced by jazz, and unique instrumental arrangements for small orchestras. Bacharach also arranged, conducted, and produced much of his own recorded material.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1957: "The Story of My Life" becomes a No. 1 hit

In 1957, "The Story of My Life" recorded by Marty Robbins, became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Chart.

1968: "This Guy's in Love with You" Reaches No. 1

In 1968, Herb Alpert's recording of Bacharach and David's "This Guy's in Love with You" reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart.

1969: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" Tops Charts

In 1969, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", performed by B.J. Thomas, became a Billboard Hot 100 hit.

1969: Oscar and Grammy Wins

In 1969, Bacharach and David's "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" won an Oscar, and they also received a Grammy for Best Cast album for Promises, Promises.

1970: "(They Long to Be) Close to You" Tops Charts

In 1970, The Carpenters' version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", written by Burt Bacharach, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

1981: "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" Tops Charts

In 1981, Christopher Cross's "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", co-written by Burt Bacharach, topped the Billboard Hot 100.

1986: "That's What Friends Are For" and "On My Own" Top Charts

In 1986, both "That's What Friends Are For" (Warwick) and "On My Own" (Carole Bayer Sager) topped the Billboard Hot 100.

1998: Bacharach and Costello Release Album Painted from Memory

In 1998, Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello released the album "Painted from Memory", which continued in the pop style of the 1960s and 1970s. The song "I Still Have That Other Girl" won a Grammy.