Alan Bergman, the legendary Oscar-, Grammy-, and Emmy-winning songwriter, passed away on Thursday night at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 99. He was renowned for his long-standing lyrical partnership with his wife, Marilyn Bergman, which spanned over six decades. Together, they created timeless hits such as “The Windmills of Your Mind,” “The Way We Were,” and “In the Heat of the Night.” Marilyn Bergman, who sadly passed away in January 2022, was a trailblazer in the music industry, serving as the first female president and chairman of the board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a prominent performing-rights organization.
Even after Marilyn's death, Alan continued to craft lyrics, demonstrating his dedication to the art of songwriting. The Bergmans collectively penned hundreds of songs primarily for movies and TV, bridging the gap between the traditional Great American Songbook era and the modern pop sensibility that blossomed in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Their unique combination of poetic lyrics and memorable melodies made them sought-after collaborators for renowned directors, including Sydney Pollack, Norman Jewison, and Richard Brooks.
Among their most celebrated works, “Windmills of Your Mind” remains a modern classic, with its evocative lyrics capturing the essence of time and memory: “round, like a circle in spiral, like a wheel within a wheel, never ending or beginning on an ever-spinning reel…” Similarly, “The Way We Were” resonates with listeners through its poignant lines: “memories light the corners of my mind, misty watercolor memories…” The soulful lyrics of “In the Heat of the Night” also left a lasting impression, even astonishing Ray Charles when he learned the lyricists were a white married couple.
The Bergman duo’s extensive catalog, beyond their numerous accolades, represents a significant portion of the most remarkable movie songs from the latter half of the 20th century. Their collaborations with esteemed composers such as Michel Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, John Williams, Johnny Mandel, Dave Grusin, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, David Shire, and James Newton Howard solidified their reputation for clever, insightful wordplay.
Throughout their illustrious career, the Bergmans won three Academy Awards: for “Windmills” in 1968 with Legrand from “The Thomas Crown Affair”; for the title song of “The Way We Were” in 1973 with Hamlisch; and for the song score of Barbra Streisand’s “Yentl” in 1983, again with Legrand. They received 13 additional Oscar nominations, showcasing their talent and versatility. Their Grammy accolades include four nominations for Song of the Year, with a win for Streisand’s rendition of “The Way We Were.”
Their television work also garnered acclaim, with themes for popular shows like “Maude,” “Good Times,” and “Alice.” They received Emmy Awards for their contributions to various productions, including the 1975 TV musical “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom,” which was later adapted for Broadway. Their collaboration with Cy Coleman on the stage musical “Portraits in Jazz: A Gallery of Songs” further exemplified their creative prowess.
Alan Bergman was born on September 11, 1925. Coincidentally, his future wife Marilyn was born three years later in the same Brooklyn hospital. Their paths crossed in California in the late 1950s while collaborating with songwriter Lew Spence. Alan studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a master’s degree in music from UCLA. He was mentored by the esteemed lyricist Johnny Mercer, known for classics like “Jeepers Creepers” and “Accentuate the Positive.”
Married in February 1958, the Bergmans became lifelong collaborators, producing early hits like “Nice ‘n’ Easy” and “Yellow Bird.” Alan described their writing process as a dynamic exchange of creativity, where each would alternate between the roles of creator and editor. “When you love what you do, and you do it with someone you love, that helps everything,” he reflected in a 2011 interview.
“In the Heat of the Night,” their breakthrough film, featured music by Quincy Jones in 1967. Their filmography includes projects with other notable composers, resulting in unforgettable songs for movies such as “Fitzwilly,” “Pete ‘n’ Tillie,” and “Out of Africa.” Their music was performed by a multitude of celebrated artists, including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Ray Charles, illustrating the widespread influence of their songwriting.
The Bergmans were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980 and received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award in 1997. Their contributions to the music industry earned them a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Songwriters in 1995, along with various honors from the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).
Alan Bergman is survived by his daughter, Julie, and a granddaughter. A previously scheduled celebration for his 100th birthday on September 11 at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California, will proceed as planned, honoring the remarkable legacy of the Bergmans. This event will feature notable guests, including Seth MacFarlane, Michael Feinstein, Dave Grusin, and Jackson Browne, and will serve as a tribute to their enduring impact on music and songwriting.
