A file picture of Burt Bacharach. (courtesy: burtbacharach)

Paris:

American composer and pianist Burt Bacharach, who has died aged 94, wrote dozens of songs with lyricist Hal David which have gone down in pop/soul historical past. Here are a few of the most well-known:

Baby It’s You (1961) – with its “Sha-la-la-la-la, Sha-la-la-la-la” chorus, it was recorded by each American lady group The Shirelles and The Beatles.

24 Hours from Tulsa (1963) – successful for pop baladeer Gene Pitney.

(They lengthy to be) Close to you (1963) – the breakthrough hit of the American brother-and-sister duo “The Carpenters”.

Walk On By (1964) – one in every of soul legend Dionne Warwick’s best-loved songs, which lurches between stoicism and anguish.

What the World Needs Now is Love(1965) – first made common by Jackie DeShannon, reached the highest ten of the US Hot 100.

Alfie (1966) – theme track of the film of the identical title starring Michael Caine. It was a serious hit for Britain’s Cilla Black and later Dionne Warwick.

I Say a Little Prayer (1967) – first recorded by Warwick however Aretha Franklin made the definitive model a yr later.

The Look of Love (1967) – a favorite of husky-voiced divas Dusty Springfield and Diana Krall.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968) – one other Warwick hit which gained her her first Grammy.

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head (1969) – Bacharach gained an Oscar for this cheerful ditty for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, which topped the US charts for 4 weeks.

I’ll Never Fall in Love Again (1969) – each Warwick and Jones scored with this heartbreak tune.

Arthur’s Theme (Best that you are able to do) (1981) – one of the recognisable film theme songs of all time, which gained Bacharach one other Oscar.

That’s What Friends Are For (1982) – first recorded by Rod Stewart however higher identified for the AIDS charity cowl made by Dionne Warwick & Friends, together with Elton John and Stevie Wonder, in 1985.

On My Own (1986) – a love track Bacharach composed with ex-wife Carole Bayer Sager which was an influence duet for Patti La Belle and Michael McDonald.

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