A Conversation with Burt Bacharach
Early Burt
From 'The Look of Love, the Burt Bacharach Collection' on Rhino Records:
From 'At This Time'
Bacharach performs at a pre-Christmas concert in Hollywood.
Bacharach performs at a pre-Christmas concert in Hollywood.
Stephen Shugerman/Getty ImagesBack in the 1960s, Burt Bacharach was of the musical opinion that what the world needed was "love, sweet love."
Often in partnership with lyricist Hal David, Bacharach produced some of pop music's lushest material: "Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and so many more.
But at 77, he found himself outraged at the state of the world. So he decided to write about it in song. The result is the CD At This Time. The lyrics are spare — the album has actually been nominated for a Grammy as best instrumental work — and they're also grim:
"There was a song/I remember/Said 'What the world needs now...'/Where is the love/Where did it go/Who broke our hearts/'Cause we need to know/Where are the dreams/That we once knew..."
In a conversation with Debbie Elliott, Bacharach sheds light on his music... the timeless and the timely.
A Burt Bacharach Quiz
Who Sang It?
Burt Bacharach has written an extraordinary number of hit songs for a wide variety of artists. Sure, you know 'em when you hear 'em. But can you name the singer or group who actually made them a hit? Hint: only one of these answers is Dionne Warwick.
"Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" (Bonus points for the movie it's associated with)
"Make It Easy on Yourself"
"A House Is Not a Home"
"What The World Needs Now Is Love"
"I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
"Alfie" (Bonus points for the singer who recently reprised it for the remake of the film)
"(They Long to Be) Close to You"
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At This Time
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