PROMISES, PROMISES & Academy Award Winning Legendary Lyricist Hal David Dies at 91

The Associated Press reports that at age 91, "Hal David died of complications from a stroke Saturday morning in Los Angeles, according to Jim Steinblatt, spokesman for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers."

David, a constant collaborator with songwriter Burt Bacharach wrote the lyrics for Promises, Promises, for which he received a Grammy, and was nominated for a Tony Award, when it first appeared on Broadway. Two songs, written for the show: “Promises, Promises” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, became instant hits. City Center's Encores Series in New York showcased Promises, Promises. Following that successful revival, the Reprise Series produced the show in Los Angeles, where it was so successful that they extended the series, and presented Promises, Promises a second time in the same season. Promises, Promises recently enjoyed a very successful revival on Broadway, starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.

Hal David has been honored with every major award by the music industry, including an Academy Award for “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” more than 30 gold records, a Grammy and the NARM Presidential Award. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received their coveted Johnny Mercer Award.

Mr. David received the Grammy Trustees Award from NARAS, as well as their New York Heros Award, and the British Ivor Novello Award. Some of Mr. David’s standards are “This Guy’s in Love With You,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Always Something There to Remind Me,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “To All the Girl’s I’ve Loved Before,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “The Look of Love.” Some of the film scores for which Mr. David wrote lyrics are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Alfie, What’s New Pussycat?, Casino Royale, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and The Return of the Pink Panther.

Mr. David has honorary degrees from Lincoln College and Claremont Graduate University and served as chairman for of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.