The great composer/lyricist/musician Burt Bacharach died last week. It felt like another blow in a string of recent losses of artistic overachievers, like David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (later with Young) and the glorious Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. 

There is no backend way out to escape death--which eventually comes to everyone. That is not being cynical-just realistic. But I thought these artists would live forever--which is a perspective youth are more likely to have--even though I am not young anymore. 

Burt Bacharach holds a special place in my heart. I can remember events in my life where his melodic compositions accompanied me. Putting on some YouTube with Burt on the keyboards makes me appreciate him even more. 

Going down memory lane a bit, here are some events I remember. BJ Thomas sang a great version of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head." I was a young teen going out on a date that included Orange Crushes at Howard Johnsons in New York. (disclaimer- I KNOW this dates me!) We went to a movie: the kid was too young to drive, so we were unceremoniously chauffered, or so I thought, by his dad. "Raindrops" was on the car radio. Today, I think, 'what a nice father,' but back then, I felt embarrassed. The memory triggered some guilt I still have over stuff I put my wonderful Dad and Mom through as a teenager. 

Later, in college, I got into acting and did roles at The Queens College Little Theater. To audition at the Broadhollow Repertory for a role as Mrs. Keller in The Miracle Worker, I sang "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." The director was tapping his foot--I'll never forget it. BTW, I got the part. I don't think I am the most talented singer, but I can certainly hold a tune. I was told I had a certain amount of 'soul' in the vocal. Who knew?!? Broadhollow required a vocal audition too, even if a part did not involve singing. The experience made me realize I was more comfortable sharing my voice on the radio airwaves. 

When I was building my radio career, Burt Bacharach's tunes were always playing everywhere--"I Say a Little Prayer.'' and "The Look of Love" have been recorded by multiple artists over the decades. "This Guy's in Love with You," written by Bacharach and performed by Herb Alpert, became a huge hit for the trumpet player who owned A & M Records. "Do you Know the Way to San Jose?" makes me think of how I missed my wonderful family when I moved to California in my 20s. Dionne Warwick's classic "Walk on By" sparks memories of long-lost loves as well as happier times.

There are many writers so much more prolific than I am. But I'll sum it up by saying Burt Bacharach's music has served as a soundtrack to my life, along with so many lives of generations all around the world.