Burt Freeman Bacharach (May 12, 1928 – February 8, 2023) was an American pianist, songwriter, record producer, and composer who worked with lyricist Hal David on numerous pop songs from the late 1950s to the 1980s. More than 1,000 different artists have covered Bacharach’s tunes, who is a six-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Academy Award winner. He had penned 73 US and 52 UK Top 40 hits as of 2014. He was a key figure in the development of popular music in the 20th century.
With Elvis Costello, Bacharach co-wrote and recorded the Grammy-winning album Painted from Memory in 1998, where the songs started to resemble his earlier work. Later, they collaborated on many songs for Costello’s 2018 album, Look Now.
He collaborated with vocalist Ronald Isley in 2003 to make the album Here I Am, which featured renditions of several of his tunes from the 1960s in Isley’s distinctive R&B sound. Bacharach deviated from earlier compositions with his 2005 solo album At This Time by writing his own lyrics, some of which dealt with political subjects. Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and hip-hop producer Dr. Dre all appeared as guests on the album.
Bacharach opened the BBC Electric Proms in London in 2008, performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra and guest vocalists Adele, Beth Rowley, and Jamie Cullum. The concert served as a look back at his six-decade career. Bacharach collaborated with Italian soul singer Karima Ammar in early 2009, producing her debut single “Come In Ogni Ora.”
Jane Hansen Age: How old is Burt Bacharach’s wife?
Bacharach married his current wife, 32-year-old athlete Jane Hansen, in 1993. She is now 62 years old.