Six decades into one of songwriting's most successful and honored careers — with scores of "firsts" and "#1s" — Burt Bacharach's music continues to set industry records and standards. His audiences span all generations, and he is considered everything from one of the greatest of all composers to the "coolest cult hero" of the contemporary music set.
His recent projects range from performing as co-musical director on the 72nd Academy Awards in March, 2000, to a top 10 CD in the UK in 2001, plus contributions in the first two "Austin Powers" films (and, perhaps, in the third "Austin Powers" feature, as well), to his critically-acclaimed collaboration with Elvis Costello ("Painted From Memory") on Mercury Records, and its Grammy-winning single, "I Still Have That Other Girl," to his pairing with lyricist Tim Rice on "WalkinÂ’ Tall" performed by Lyle Lovett for the movie "Stuart Little." His songs continue to set records and make history, with, most recently, Diana KrallÂ’s new CD, "The Look of Love," gaining critical praise and topping sales in 2001 and 2002. Last May, he received the prestigious Polar Music Prize, presented in Stockholm by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. In 2001, A&E Network also produced a one-hour biography special about Bacharach.
PEOPLE MAGAZINE named his one of "the Sexiest Men Alive" for 2000, and one of "the 50 Most Beautiful People" in 1999. The Royal Albert Hall hosted a tribute to Bacharach and Hal David in July, 2000, to benefit Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy with performances by Petula Clark, Costello and Dionne Warwick, and the songwriting duo picked up the prestigious lifetime achievement award.
DAILY VARIETY named him the "American Music Legend" of 1998, noting "from hit songs to film scores, Burt Bacharach has turned pop conventions on their ear."
Rhino Records released "The Very Best of Burt Bacharach" in March 2001, featuring tracks with artists including Warwick, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters and Jackie DeShannon. Rhino had earlier released a three-CD Greatest Hits collection in 1998, "The Look of Love: The Burt Bacharach Collection." Tributes to the diversity and appeal of his music have been paid by recording artists from Costello ("IÂ’ll Never Fall in Love Again"), to Ben Folds Five, Krall, Barenaked Ladies, Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd, and Mike Myers. The Platinum-selling soundtrack from "My Best FriendÂ’s Wedding" featured several Bacharach songs, with interpretations by Ani DiFranco ("WishinÂ’ and HopinÂ’") and Diana King, whose recording of "I Say A Little Prayer" hit the top of the charts.
Bacharach currently divides his time between performing live concerts worldwide (including some with Warwick) and writing. Bacharach's songs are in albums by artists including Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin and Nnenna Freelon, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond, Warwick and Tevin Campbell. He was the subject of a PBS "Great Performances" biography, "Burt Bacharach: This is Now," which aired in May 1997.
In April 1998, TNT launched its highly-acclaimed "TNT Masters Series" with "Bacharach: One Amazing Night," a special tribute show with many of today's hottest stars -- including Costello, Crow, Judd and Myers — performing his songs.
The Warner Music International release "The Look of Love: The Burt Bacharach Collection," entered the U.K. compilation charts at #4 in 2001. With the special reverence the British hold for this gifted musician, Gabrielle's cover of a Burt Bacharach—Hal David hit, "Walk On By," entered the U.K. Top Ten at #9, in 1997. Bacharach and Costello were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997 for their collaboration, "God Give Me Strength" (from the movie, "Grace of My Heart"). In 1997, he and David received the prestigious Trustees Award from NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) as part of the Grammy Awards broadcast.
One of his standards, "Close To You," was recorded by the Cranberries for the "If I Were A Carpenter" tribute album to
