Accessibility links
Burt Bacharach Burt Bacharach artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music

Burt Bacharach

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

toggle caption
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

toggle caption
Olaf Heine/HarperCollins

The Week's Best Stories From NPR Books

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'

Listen · 8:54
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/180537063/181053760" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

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?'

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5077894/5077895" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

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

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5056125/5134123" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

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

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1257719/1257720" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music

A Private Concert With Burt Bacharach

Mr. Mack is a patient at the hospital where commentator Elissa Ely works. For years he regularly makes requests of the staff. One of those requests was to bring Burt Bacharach in to perform for the patients. Elissa imagines the concert.

A Private Concert With Burt Bacharach

Listen · 3:56
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1146560/146560" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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

toggle caption
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

Listen · 19:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/127557063/127769492" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
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

toggle caption
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

Listen · 27:27
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/126386399/126531870" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org