Burt Freeman Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music. Beginning in the late 1950s, he composed hundreds of pop songs, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. Unusual chord progressions characterized Bacharach's music, influenced by his background in jazz harmony and unique selections of instruments for small orchestras. He arranged, conducted, and produced much of his recorded output. He received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, six Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award.
From 1961 to 1972, most of Bacharach and David's hits were written specifically for and performed by Dionne Warwick. But from 1957 to 1963, the composing duo worked with Marty Robbins, Perry Como, Gene McDaniels, and Jerry Butler. Following the initial success of these collaborations, Bacharach wrote hits for Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Jackie DeShannon, Bobbie Gentry, Tom Jones, Herb Alpert, B. J. Thomas, the Carpenters, and numerous other artists.
