Golden Melodies End: Oscar-Winning Lyricist Alan Bergman Passes at 99
SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM EXCLUSIVE
Alan Bergman, Legendary Lyricist Behind 'The Way We Were,' Dies at 99: A Life of Music, Love, and Oscars Galore!
Get ready for a masterclass in music, romance, and showbiz magic! The world has lost a giant when Oscar-winning lyricist Alan Bergman passed away at the ripe age of 99. This incredible human being left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, penning timeless classics like "The Way We Were" for Barbra Streisand, as well as hits like "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" and "It Might Be You."
But Bergman's life was not just a string of hit songs – it was a tale of love, partnership, and creative genius. For over six decades, he shared his soul with his wife, Marilyn, in an enduring partnership that produced some of the most iconic movie themes and Broadway show tunes of all time.
As reported by SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM, Bergman's passing occurred late Thursday at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family and memories. In recent months, he had been battling respiratory issues, but continued to write songs until the very end – a testament to his unyielding passion for music.
The Bergmans' remarkable partnership began in 1958 when they married, and their collaborative efforts yielded hundreds of songs, including movie themes that became as famous as the films themselves. Their work with collaborators like Marvin Hamlisch, Quincy Jones, Michel Legrand, and Cy Coleman solidified their status as one of the most successful and prolific partnerships in showbiz history.
But what makes the Bergmans' story truly extraordinary is the way they blended Tin Pan Alley sentimentality with contemporary pop to craft lyrics that touched millions. Take "The Way We Were," for instance – a song so iconic, it's become synonymous with nostalgia itself. Set to Hamlisch's tender melody, this timeless ballad is essentially a song about itself: an ode to the uncertainty of the past, starting with one of history's most famous opening stanzas:
"Memories / light the corners of my mind / misty watercolor memories / of the way we were."
This masterpiece won Bergman his first Oscar, and it wasn't long before they accumulated a total of three Oscars – two for "Windmills of Your Mind" and one for the soundtrack to "Yentl," the Streisand-directed movie from 1983. The Academy Awards became a Bergman showcase, with three nominees featuring lyrics by the Bergmans in 1983 alone!
But behind every great partnership is a love story that rivals their most memorable songs. Bergman and his wife Marilyn met while working for the same composer in Los Angeles – an introduction that would change the course of music history forever. The story goes that Bergman proposed to Marilyn after writing a song, "That Face," which Fred Astaire agreed to record. Talk about serendipity!
Throughout their lives, the Bergmans' connection was more than just a partnership; it was a harmonious blend of art and love. They shared everything, from their earliest days in Brooklyn to their move to California in 1950 – the same year they met Streisand backstage at one of her early New York club appearances.
As SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM can attest, the Bergmans' partnership was not without its quirks. Bergman himself joked that he and Marilyn often came up with the same word at the same time, likening their creative process to housework: "One washes, one dries, and the title of a song they eventually devised for a Hamlisch melody."
Their legacy extends far beyond their impressive trophy shelf. The Bergmans' music has been performed by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson to Tony Bennett – artists who have celebrated their work with tributes like Streisand's 2011 album, "What Matters Most," which featured songs written by the Bergmans.
As we bid farewell to this beloved lyricist, SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM honors his remarkable life, love, and legacy. Alan Bergman may be gone, but his music will continue to inspire generations to come – a testament to the power of creativity, partnership, and a little bit of magic.