Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music.
The success of [Burt Bacharach and Hal David]'s creative genius continues today as they each add new songs to what is without question one of the richest and most recognizable multi-generational playlists known to the world. Their creative talents have inspired songwriters for more than five decades, and their legacy is much in the tradition of George and Ira Gershwin, for whom this award is named.
1997, subject of a PBS "Great Performances" biography, "Burt Bacharach: This is Now".[20][21]
2000, People magazine named him one of the "Sexiest Men Alive", and one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in 1999.[22]
2001, Polar Music Prize, presented in Stockholm by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.[22]
2002, National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) New York Heroes Award.[22]
2005, GQ Magazine Inspiration Award.
2006, George and Ira Gershwin Award for Musical Achievement from UCLA.
2006, Thornton Legacy Award, University of Southern California; also created the Burt Bacharach Music Scholarship at the Thornton School to support outstanding young musicians.[23]
2009, Bacharach received an honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music. The award was presented to him during the Great American Songbook concert, which paid tribute to his music.[25]
2012, Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, with Hal David, awarded by the Library of Congress.[26]