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Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach, visionary pop composer, has died at 94

Burt Bacharach, pictured here in 1970, wrote music that was accessible — it even sounds simple. But there is nothing simple about it. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Obituaries

Burt Bacharach, visionary pop composer, has died at 94

The songwriter and singer, who cemented his prominence with hits like "Say A Little Prayer" and "Walk on By," died Wednesday of natural causes.

Burt Bacharach, visionary pop composer, has died at 94

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First Listen: Cameron Carpenter, 'If You Could Read My Mind'

Cameron Carpenter's new album, If You Could Read My Mind, comes out Aug. 26. Thomas Grube/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Thomas Grube/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Cameron Carpenter, 'If You Could Read My Mind'

The organist aims to rescue his instrument from its church-bound traditions. With his new album, which includes Bach and Bacharach alike, Carpenter could land a multitude of converts.

If You Could Read My Mind

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.
Burt Bacharach: 'Never Be Afraid Of Something That You Can Whistle'

Burt Bacharach has just released a memoir, Anyone Who Had a Heart. Olaf Heine/HarperCollins hide caption

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Olaf Heine/HarperCollins

Author Interviews

Burt Bacharach: 'Never Be Afraid Of Something That You Can Whistle'

The award-winning songwriter speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about the value of melody, and writing a song about rain for a movie scene that had none.

Burt Bacharach: 'Never Be Afraid Of Something That You Can Whistle'

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Burt Bacharach And Hal David: A 50-Year Musical Duet

The cast of the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises includes Sean Hayes (center) in the role originated by Jerry Orbach in 1968. Joan Marcus hide caption

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Joan Marcus

Music Interviews

Burt Bacharach And Hal David: A 50-Year Musical Duet

Fresh Air

The legendary composer and lyricist -- who collaborated on tunes like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "What's New Pussycat?" -- discuss their 50-year relationship and some favorite tunes from the Broadway revival of their musical, Promises, Promises.

Burt Bacharach And Hal David: A 50-Year Musical Duet

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Music And Lyrics: Burt Bacharach And Hal David

The cast of the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises includes Sean Hayes (center) in the role originated by Jerry Orbach in 1968. Joan Marcus hide caption

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Joan Marcus

Music Interviews

Music And Lyrics: Burt Bacharach And Hal David

Fresh Air

The legendary composer and lyricist -- who collaborated on tunes like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "What's New Pussycat?" -- discuss their 50-year relationship and some favorite tunes from the Broadway revival of their musical, Promises, Promises.

Music And Lyrics: Burt Bacharach And Hal David

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The Grammy Awards

A Conversation with Burt Bacharach

Through the turbulent '60s, the composer was of the musical opinion that what the world needed was "love, sweet love." Approaching 80, he finds himself in a different mood. He talks about At This Time, his new CD.

A Conversation with Burt Bacharach

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Music Interviews

Bacharach: A New 'Auld Lang Syne?'

There are oh-so-many holiday songs, and yet really only one that's associated with the arrival of a new year. Composer Burt Bacharach fools around with the notion of a fresh alternative to "Auld Lang Syne."

Bacharach: A New 'Auld Lang Syne?'

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Music Interviews

Composer Burt Bacharach, Interviewed

Fresh Air

Along with lyricist Hal David, he wrote dozens of hits during the '60s including "What's New Pussycat," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "This Guy's In Love With You." The songwriting team received every major music industry award in addition to 20 Gold records — plus an Academy Award and induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. A new Broadway musical, The Look of Love, is based on their work.

Composer Burt Bacharach, Interviewed

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