Alan Bergman Passes Away at 99
Alan Bergman, the accomplished songwriter who won an Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy, passed away Thursday night at his Los Angeles home at the age of 99. His prolific lyrical collaboration with his wife, Marilyn Bergman, spanned over sixty years and produced timeless songs such as “The Windmills of Your Mind,” “The Way We Were,” and “In the Heat of the Night.”
Legacy of Collaboration
Marilyn Bergman, who passed away in January 2022, was a trailblazer as the first female president of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). After her death, Alan continued to write lyrics, demonstrating his enduring passion for music.
A Diverse Musical Portfolio
The Bergmans crafted hundreds of songs predominantly for film and television, effectively connecting the classical Great American Songbook with the evolving pop sound of the 1960s to the 1980s.
Impact on Cinema
Their poetic lyrics, paired with the musical talents of renowned collaborators, enhanced many films and established them as sought-after songwriters for prominent directors like Sydney Pollack and Norman Jewison. Classics like “Windmills” and “Way We Were” are central to their legacy, showcasing their unique songwriting prowess.
Award Recognition
The Bergmans earned three Academy Awards: for “Windmills” in 1968 with Michel Legrand, “The Way We Were” in 1973 with Marvin Hamlisch, and “Yentl” in 1983, again with Legrand. They received numerous nominations across their careers, including for collaborations with top composers such as John Williams and Henry Mancini.
Broadway and Television Contributions
In addition to film, their talents extended to television themes and musicals, winning Emmys for works like the 1975 musical “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom.” Their songs not only resonated within film and TV but also found their way to the Broadway stage.
Enduring Influence
Alan was born on September 11, 1925, and his creative journey began at a young age with mentorship from Johnny Mercer. His partnership with Marilyn began in 1958, and together they expressed a profound love for songwriting throughout their lives. Alan’s legacy will continue through the songs that have touched countless lives, celebrating his and Marilyn’s contributions to the music industry.
