HAL DAVID 1921-2012

Burt Bacharach & Hal David Paul Williams, David Stark & Hal David at the ASCAP London Awards 2011

Lyricist Hal David, who died on September 1st of complications following a stroke, has been lauded by his peers and other music industry colleagues as one of the greatest wordsmiths of all time, mainly for his outstanding catalogue of hits with written with Burt Bacharach but with others as well. As a former President of ASCAP from 1980-86, he will be paid special tribute at this year's ASCAP London Awards dinner on October 11th taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by Senior International VP Roger Greenaway who commented, "He was never one to sit back and enjoy his success, he wanted to contribute. That was the measure of the man. He was a great human being, and was a friend to me. I was a great admirer of his music, but I became an even great admirer of the man. He cared about other writers, it wasn't just about himself."

Current ASCAP President, songwriter Paul Williams, paid special tribute on the ASCAP website on hearing the news: "Hal has been a great friend, mentor and role model for me through the years. Although he always made me feel as if I was a special friend, I know I'm one of many. Never anything less than a cheerleader for younger songwriters' success, he was a warrior defending their rights. Long after he is gone, music creators will benefit from his many accomplishments as ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board for six years and long time Board member. To his beautiful wife Eunice and to his entire family, Mariana and I send love and prayers. May the memories of his gentle heart remain close to you through these difficult days. Our arms are around you as we say a little prayer for you."

Among David's biggest hits over a 50-year career are these classic songs: 24 Hours from Tulsa, A House is Not a Home, Alfie, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Baby It's You, Close to You, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, Don't Make Me Over, I Say a Little Prayer, Magic Moments, Make It Easy on Yourself, Promises, Promises, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, The Look of Love, There's Always Something There to Remind Me, This Guy's in Love With You, To All the Girls I've Loved Before, Trains and Boats and Planes, Walk on By, What the World Needs Now is Love, What's New Pussycat?, Wishin' and Hopin' and You'll Never Get to Heaven (If you Break My Heart).

Links:

Hal David homepage
http://www.haldavid.com

ASCAP
http://www.ascap.com

Guardian obituary
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/sep/02/hal-david?newsfeed=true