Easy listening music may be pleasant to hear, yet the label does not justly reflect the exceptional skill Burt Bacharach had for creating perfect musical moments. His extensive collection includes numerous memorable tunes, developed in collaboration with key partners such as long-time lyricist Hal David and former wife Carole Bayer Sager, as well as modern artists like Elvis Costello, Adele, and Dr. Dre. However, the harmonic and rhythmic complexity in his music sets it apart from the often overly sweet arrangements that define easy listening. Bacharach’s music is rich with jazz influences in chord structures and progressions. This complexity, along with the appeal of his music, attracted generations of listeners and a diverse selection of artists who worked with him.
Bacharach began his prolific songwriting journey in the 1950s and rose to prominence during the 1960s, a time when the music world saw much innovation. However, amidst a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll and the British Invasion, Bacharach may not have been seen as seriously as his contemporaries. While other musicians were responding to the political and social shifts of the era, Bacharach and David focused on themes of relationships and emotions. Unlike famous songwriting duos like Lennon and McCartney, or Jagger and Richards—who performed their own songs—Bacharach and David wrote their songs for others.
Bacharach’s partnership with David began in the Brill Building in New York City in 1957, and soon after, he recognized singer Dionne Warwick’s potential, producing 38 songs with her, including the hit “Don’t Make Me Over.” Warwick’s unique voice matched Bacharach’s music perfectly, but she was just one of many collaborators. Established artists like Perry Como, along with rising stars like Warwick, helped Bacharach’s music reach a wide audience. His songs transcended the “easy listening” genre, with artists such as Isaac Hayes and The White Stripes adding their unique flair.
Bacharach and David’s tunes also succeeded as movie soundtracks, with notable examples like the title track from the Michael Caine film “Alfie” and “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” which won an Academy Award for best original song. Bacharach’s success extended to Broadway, with his pioneering work on the 1968 show “Promises, Promises,” which featured rock band elements and helped add show tunes like “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” to the charts.
In a 2010 NPR interview coinciding with the revival of “Promises, Promises,” Bacharach highlighted the complexities his music presented to performers due to frequent rhythmic changes. The interview was significant as it reunited him with David, after their famous split in 1973 over a failed project. The split took a toll on Bacharach, affecting relationships, especially his friendship with Warwick, later revived with the 1985 song “That’s What Friends Are For,” co-written with Carole Bayer Sager. Bacharach’s version with Warwick and friends, including Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder, became a hit.
Bacharach remained active in music for many decades, continuing to collaborate with modern artists like Elvis Costello, Adele, and Dr. Dre. Though he left a lasting legacy in the mid-to-late twentieth century, his influence and creativity extended well into his later years.