There are many great songwriters in music history, but few can touch the accomplishments of Burt Bacharach. Over the past six decades, Bacharach’s songs have been an omnipresent reminder of his pop genius.
Though he has released albums under his own name, cover versions of his songs are in constant use in films, TV and radio.
His songs, such as “Rain Drops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Close to You” and “Walk on By,” are practically ingrained in the public consciousness. Bacharach’s resume is simply stunning.
Over 66 Top 40 hits, with 28 Top Ten and six number ones among them. Throw in three Oscars, two Emmys, a Tony and a Drama Desk Award, and it’s clear the he has had a truly amazing career.
Bacharach, who will appear as part of the Symphony’s Summer Pops series at The Embarcadero Marina on Aug. 12, has been a fixture in San Diego for nearly four decades, though not as a musician.
As owner of several racehorses, he can often be found at the Del Mar racetrack during each summer season. He also owned a home along the beach on 26th Street.
Local producer Alan Sanderson worked with Bacharach as engineer on his 1998 collaboration with Elvis Costello, “Painted from Memory.”
“In my opinion, this guy is probably the last great American composer of the 20th century,” Sanderson said.
“Working with him and Costello was a massive learning experience, it was like working with two musical wizards from two totally different schools of music, collaborating together.”
Sanderson, who has worked with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Weezer and The Rolling Stones, considers being a part of the sessions for Bacharach’s classic “God Give Me Strength” one of his life’s highlights.
“There were some amazing takes during those sessions,” he recalled. “I remember being moved many times.”
Sanderson cites “The Look of Love” as his favorite Bacharach composition.
“That horn line is infectious and the vocal melody is beautiful,” he remarked. “Whenever I hear that tune it makes me feel like I’m living in the time it was written.”
He would go on to work with the composer several more times over the years including the 2000 Academy Awards, but a more recent attempt to work together at his local Studio, Strate Sound, was thwarted when it was discovered that Bacharach’s grand piano wouldn’t fit through the studio doors.
When those sessions didn’t happen, it was the impetus for Sanderson to move his operation to a larger facility in Santee.
Singer-songwriter Michael Tiernan has also had run-ins with Bacharach, but of a much more low-key nature.
“I used to wait on him during track season when I was a waiter in Solana Beach,” he laughed.
For Tiernan such a meeting held a special place for him as he considers Bacharach one of his earliest influences.
Born in 1973, as a child Tiernan heard Bacharach tunes in constant rotation at the family home.
“Later in life I really learned to appreciate Burt’s music,” he said. “It has stood the test of time because he sticks to simple but sublime melodies and constantly interchanges different instruments and the human voice to repeat those melody lines and drive them home.
“Everyone can hum the lines, in every song.”
Tiernan considers “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” to be one of Bacharach’s best.
“What a funny, light and strange song,” he stated.
“With lyrics like ‘A guy with a pin to burst your bubble!’ and to rhyme ‘pneumonia’ with ‘never phone ya.’ It’s brilliant.”
DJ Dennis “The Menace” Borlek is also a big fan, naming 1976’s “Seconds” as a favorite tune, but it’s a hard choice.
“There are too many great songs, I have too many favorites,” he said. “The man is a perfectionist, his tunes are soulful.”
Tiernan couldn’t agree more.
“I imagine they play Burt Bacharach in the upper levels of heaven,” he said.
Burt Bacharach performs as part of the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops Series at the Embarcadero Marina on Sunday, Aug. 12. Tickets are $12 to $75.
For more information visit www.sandiegosymphony.org.