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Oscar-Winning Lyricist Alan Bergman Dies at 99, Leaving Legacy of Iconic Songs

Alan Bergman, the celebrated Oscar-winning lyricist behind hits like 'The Way We Were,' has passed away at 99, leaving an indelible mark on music.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Alan Bergman, an acclaimed Oscar-winning lyricist, passed away at the age of 99, marking the end of a prolific career in music.
  • He was widely recognized for co-writing numerous iconic songs, most notably the beloved classic 'The Way We Were' and many other hits.
  • Bergman maintained an unwavering passion for songwriting throughout his life, actively continuing his craft until his final days.
  • Despite facing respiratory issues, he remained dedicated to his artistic pursuits, showcasing remarkable resilience and commitment.
  • His profound contributions to the music industry have left a significant and lasting impact on both the art form and his global fanbase.
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Analysis

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$center-leaning sources frame Alan Bergman's passing by emphasizing his enduring and loving partnership with Marilyn Bergman, portraying their lives and careers as harmoniously intertwined. They highlight the profound emotional impact and widespread popularity of their 'classic' songs, using laudatory language to celebrate their collective legacy as one of the 'greatest' and 'most prolific' songwriting duos.

"Alan Bergman was one half of one of the greatest American songwriting duos, and his creative gifts continued to flow even at the age of 99."

USA TODAYUSA TODAY
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"Alan Bergman, Oscar-winning lyricist who worked with his wife, Marilyn, in a partnership that produced hits such as "The Way We Were," "It Might Be You" and "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," has died, his family announced."

CBS NewsCBS News
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"Alan Bergman, the Oscar-winning lyricist who teamed with his wife, Marilyn, for an enduring and loving partnership that produced such old-fashioned hits as “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?,” “It Might Be You” and the classic “The Way We Were,” has died at 99."

Associated PressAssociated Press
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"Alan Bergman, the lyricist whose collaborations with his wife Marilyn were behind the Oscar-winning songs “The Way We Were,” and “The Windmills of Your Mind” as well as such beloved TV theme songs for such series as Good Times, Maude and Alice, died on Thursday night at his home in Los Angeles."

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FAQ

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Alan Bergman was known for iconic songs like 'The Way We Were' and 'The Windmills of Your Mind.' Together with his wife Marilyn, they won three Academy Awards and multiple Golden Globes and Grammys. They were the first songwriters to have three of the five Oscar-nominated songs in one year and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Alan Bergman's primary songwriting partner was his wife, Marilyn Bergman. They formed one of the most successful lyric writing teams in history, collaborating on over 500 songs and scores throughout their careers.

Alan Bergman maintained his passion for songwriting throughout his life, continuing to write songs until his final days, despite suffering from respiratory issues.

They received multiple prestigious awards including four Emmys, three Oscars, two Grammys, and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, receiving the Johnny Mercer Award in 1997, the Hall's highest honor.

Throughout their career, Alan and Marilyn Bergman collaborated with prominent composers such as Michel Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, Dave Grusin, Cy Coleman, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mandel, John Williams, Quincy Jones, and James Newton Howard.

History

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