(September 1) It is difficult to talk about popular music on the 1960s without talking about Hal David. David died this morning in Los Angeles at age 91 as a result of a recent stroke.
(September 1) It is difficult to talk about popular music on the 1960s without talking about Hal David. David died this morning in Los Angeles at age 91 as a result of a recent stroke.
As part of one of that decade's most celebrated singwriting duos, he made an indelible mark on popular music that still resonates over four decades later. With partner Burt Bacharach, David wrote some of the most memorable songs of an era, from movie hits "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" and "Alfie" to, perhaps most notably, virtually all of Dionne Warwick's monster 60s hits, such as "I Say a Little Prayer," "Walk On By" and "What the World Needs Now Is Love." He also penned the memorable lyrics of #1 smashes like the Carpenters' "Close to You," and Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You," on the way to becoming arguably the most celebrated lyricist of his era.
During his long career, David won countless awards, from Grammys to the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Song. He also served as the head of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for ten years.
Hal David was a larger than life figure in popular music for two generations and his contribution to song is difficult to overstate. He will be missed and celebrated for years to come.
By Chris Rizik
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