OUR Burt Baccarat, Talented The pop composer, conductor and producer of 1960s “romantic optimism” died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home at the age of 94.

His press secretary, Tina Breisham, confirmed his death without specifying the cause of death.

The American pianist has composed hundreds of pop songs throughout his career, many of which were co-written with lyricist Hal David. In 2015, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Baccarat and David David at number 32 on their list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

Winning three Oscars and six Grammys, Baccarat’s songs have been recorded in countless studios around the world by over 1,000 artists.

Many of his songs topped the Billboard Hot 100, such as “This Boy’s in Love with You” (1968), “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” (1969), “(They Want to Be) Next to You” (1970). ), “Arthur’s Theme (The Best You Can Do)” (1981) and “That’s What Friends Are For” (1986).

An important figure in the “wave” of light music, Baccarat has written many works for important feature films.

Baccarat’s music is characterized by unusual chords that are clearly influenced by his jazz studies. His recordings are notable for their original choice of instruments in small orchestras.

The New York Times writes of Baccarat that his mature style can be described as “Wagnerian lounge music”, combining “chromatic harmonies” with late 19th century symphonic melodies, with contemporary pop instrumentation and staccato driving rhythm.

Baccarat scored the 1967 film James Bond 007: Casino Royale., which included the hit “The Look of Love” performed by Dusty Springfield. The soundtrack is considered one of the greatest vinyl recordings of all time and is sought after by record collectors.

Baccara and David also collaborated with Broadway producer David Merrick on the 1968 musical Promises, Promises, and 1969 was perhaps their most successful collaboration with the Oscar-winning play Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, written for movie “Two Robbers” “.

Two artists received the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year for “Promises, Promises” and the soundtrack was also nominated for a Tony Award.

Baccara was married four times in total. His first marriage was to Paula Stewart and his second to actress Angie Dickinson, with whom he had a daughter, Nikki Bakara, who committed suicide in 2007 at the age of 40.

Baccarat’s third marriage was to lyricist Carole Bayer Sager and lasted nine years. Baccarat and Bayer Sager wrote several music tracks together and adopted a son. This wedding is mentioned in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.

Baccara married his fourth wife, Jane Hansen, in 1993 and they had two children.

His autobiography, Anyone with a Heart, was published in 2013.

New York Times source