Burt Bacharach was one of the most influential and beloved songwriters in history. Many of his songs became timeless classics, covered by some of the biggest names in music. Today, we say goodbye to a true legend. Burt, thank you for the beautiful music; you will be deeply missed. Few people know that Bacharach experienced significant grief while writing his famous love songs. He went through multiple divorces, and tragically, his 40-year-old autistic daughter took her own life.
The legendary songwriter, who was 94, passed away on Wednesday. He was the composer of iconic love ballads such as Dusty Springfield’s “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer.”
Burt Bacharach’s career was marked by the creation of some of the most memorable love songs of the last generation. His melodies remain influential and are still featured in hit songs today. However, few people realize the immense personal heartbreak Bacharach endured. He navigated three divorces before finding lasting love with his fourth wife, who stayed by his side for thirty years until his passing.
The suicide of his autistic daughter, Nikki, at the age of 40 profoundly affected Bacharach. This tragedy led him to reevaluate his life, inspiring him to pour even more emotion into his music. He wrote many songs in her honor, though the deep sorrow underlying his love ballads was often not fully understood by his audience. Nikki took her life in 2007.
Bacharach also faced jealousy from his partners over the female artists for whom he wrote songs. His life was further complicated by scandals and infidelities, which hindered his ability to find a fulfilling marriage until later in life.
Bacharach’s first child, a daughter, was born in 1966, an event that “changed him in ways he didn’t even understand.” This experience made his career in music seem “unimportant” in comparison.
In a 2013 interview with the Daily Mail, the renowned songwriter revealed that by the time his daughter was three, he “definitely felt something was off.” He described her behavior as increasingly unusual but didn’t know how to address it. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome many years later that he began to understand her struggles. Sadly, six years after her diagnosis, she committed suicide by suffocating herself with a plastic bag filled with nitrous gas.
Burt Bacharach will always be remembered for the extraordinary music he created throughout his long career. His love songs continue to bring people together and create lasting memories. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
