Burt Bacharach died yesterday at the age of 94. The Oscar and Grammy-winning composer has had Top Ten hits since the 1950s, and was known for such standards as “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Walk on By,” “Alfie,” “That’s What Friends are For,” and “Raindrops keep Falling On My Head.”

Singer Dionne Warwick was most frequently associated with his work and many of his compositions were written for her, though his songs have also been recorded by over 1,000 different singers. Other artists he collaborated with included Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Jackie DeShannon, Bobbie Gentry, Tom Jones, BJ Thomas, the Carpenters, Steve Tyrell, and most recently Elvis Costello.

Warwick said in a statement, “Burt’s transition is like losing a family member. These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my Dear Friend and my Musical Partner. On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”
Sheryl Crow tweeted, “One of the great thrills and honors of my life was getting to know @BurtBacharach – one of the greatest songwriters of all time. There will never be anyone like him and as a songwriter, he set the bar. Burt, you will be missed but your music will live on. My love to his family.”

Elvis Costello, who just finished a new album out next month with Bacharach called “The Songs of Bacharach and Costello,” had earlier commented on their upcoming album.

“I first heard the songs of Burt Bacharach when my family was still living in a basement flat near Olympia in the late 1950’s,” he wrote. “Never would I have imagined that my admiration for him would grow into a 25-year collaboration and friendship.”

Bacharach’s personal appeal transcended music, as he was named one of “People” magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2000 and one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1999.

Here’s a Bacharach classic with the composer accompanying Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston.

Lyrics

That’s What Friends Are For

And I never thought I’d feel this way
And as far as I’m concerned
I’m glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
Well, you came and opened me
And now there’s so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we’re apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Oh, keep smilin’ and keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
Oh, that’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
‘Cause I tell you that’s what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for (that’s what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’

Songwriters: Burt Bacharach / Carole Sager