His songs have been the soundtrack to many a life, moments in time, such as for vagrant Tony in Washington DC… so today we say a little prayer for Burt.
I shared a half-smoke hot dog with Tony at Ben’s Chili Bowl where he had taken up residence.
And heard the story of his life to the backdrop of the song he put on the jukebox Aretha Franklin’s I Say A Little Prayer.
So there without us knowing, Burt Bacharach had seeped into our common experience.
An angel’s songs
And that in essence was the genius of the man who is now serenading the angels.
Because Burt Bacharach and Hal David heightened the human experience in their timeless songs.
Often in the most original and humorous way.
Probably why Mike Myers turned to him to play piano on the restyled top of a London double decker as Austin romanced Vanessa.
And it rubbed off too as when I travel to the American Travel Fair.
This way to San Jose
So amid the dozens of stands I’d always pick out one of the Californian displays.
And ask… ‘do you know the way to San Jose?, I’ve got a lot of friends in San Jose’
Burt then would creep up on you when you least expected it.
Mostly in America, to be fair.
Whether in Connecticut where The Carpenters are really from although we associate them more with California.
American Songbook
And where I heard echoes of Burt and the heavenly Karen Carpenter.
Or the Great Outdoors of Utah where The Sundance Film Festival is held annually and Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head tingles in the air.
While Burt and Hal put Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the map particularly when you’re 24 hours from the Mid-Western town.
Burt’s score and Hal’s lyrics have then become a reference point to define many a nostalgic destination.
Purring along
With What’s New Pussycat springing to mind when asked to title my musings on safari in the Eastern Cape in South Africa.
Of course all our experiences are our own but at the same time shared through the permanence of a tune.
So today as we say a little prayer for Burt we console ourselves that Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s music will live forever.
