The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

The Library of Congress has acquired the papers of songwriter and composer Burt Bacharach whose songs are best known for influencing popular music starting in the late 1950s. The Burt Bacharach Papers came to the Library as a gift from his wife Jane Bacharach. The collection includes thousands of mu...

As we all know Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil are two of the great husband and wife songwriters. In my humble opinion, only Alan & Marilyn Bergman are in the same league. One of their best known songs is of course "Don't Know Much" which was a global hit single. To me, it is one of the ...

That's very thoughtful of you Henry (and Paul) to take the time to respond to the sad news. Today would have been her 95th birthday. I have been invited to her funeral which will be held tomorrow. It's is a great honour. If any member of the forum greatly admires the work of Anita, and has found her...

With much sadness in my heart, I must report the passing away of the legendary Anita Kerr. Most of this forum will be aware of her wonderful album of Burt's compositions at the end of the sixties. Here is the official announcement from her family: Anita Kerr - America’s First Lady of Music, creator ...

I applaud you 'Blue on Blue.' for disagreeing. "Sometimes Late at Night" is one of my favorite albums of all time (along with: Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" - Stephen Bishop "Careless" - Kenny Loggins "Leap of Faith" - Billy Joel "The Stranger" - Michael R...

Being, like most of us on this forum, a lifelong admirer of Burt, there has always been one track that nobody seems to have, and is never mentioned. It is a single by Sylvaine Clair on Polydor 247008 (1970). Can anybody throw any light on this rarity?

Hello Geoff. Here's a challenge for you (and anyone else!). Can you locate the Sylvaine Claire recording of 'Do Not Speak to Me of Love.' (Polydor)

Hello to you Mue.
I do have a recording of the vocal by Joanne and the Streamliners which I am willing to share with you.
All the best. Barry

I am excited to announce ahead of this weeks book publication, a double CD in celebration of 6 years work! Initially, the CD will be limited to the first 20 people who choose to purchase the book directly through myself. It will only be available on this forum - it is for personal use only, and not ...

At last I can announce the publication of 'Anita Kerr - America's First Lady of Music' with the foreword by Burt. It seems a long time ago when Burt called me (December 2019) and we spent 20 minutes discussing the merits of Anita. His admirative words open the book. The date of publication will be O...

Martin - I am delighted to be proven wrong, and thank you for the concert footage which I had not seen before. Was very lucky to see Jimmy Webb live in March 1998 (Croydon) and again in May 2005 (Hammersmith). Wasn't the Richard Harris album 'The Yard Went on Forever' a masterpiece? How could someon...

Hmmm Martin. I am a great admirer of Jimmy Webb (along with Michel Legrand, Ennio Morricone and Dave Grusin), but I cannot recall Jimmy conducting any orchestra. Maybe I am wrong. Not only did Anita conduct the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, but the 14 albums she recorded with the American ...

Firstly, thank you to all the people who have amazingly viewed this post. Over the weekend, it appears a few thousand people have viewed it. Perhaps it may well be the current trend of over exaggerated algorithms, but at least it has stimulated an announcement. So, in the next few weeks, and certain...

At long last I have an update on the forthcoming book with the foreword written by Burt. Anita (now 93) has given the go ahead through her two daughters for imminent publication. The latest delay is the 'bonus material' which is taking the form of unreleased music that has to be cleared by Warner Br...

Hello Roberto and Djalma. Your posts are irresistible! I felt I had to respond when you mention 700 songs or more. There is little me in the UK thinking I had one of the biggest collections in the world of Burt's DIFFERENT songs. I possess only 539 DIFFERENT songs. If anyone else owns (on CD or viny...