Hal David
Hal David (1921–2012) is known for his award-winning lyrics, which have been featured in films, Broadway shows, and music charts throughout his career. Honored with numerous Grammys, the NARM Presidential Award, and more, he is most known for his collaborations with composer Burt Bacharach, who he met in 1957. The two wrote their first hit, “The Story of My Life,” and then continued to write iconic American pop songs throughout the 1960s and ’70s. In 2012, David and Burt Bacharach received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. But the duo was not just known for the pop songs they created. They also wrote for movies, with four of their songs being nominated for Academy Awards: “What’s New, Pussycat?,” “Alfie,” “The Look of Love,” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” the latter of which won the Oscar in 1970. Lincoln College bestowed a Doctor of Music degree on David for his contribution to American music. In October of 2007, David received an honorary degree from the Five Towns College in Long Island; in addition, they named their new music library building the Hal David Music Library. David is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and was the first non-British person to receive the Ivor Novello Award from the British Performing Rights Society.