Harold Lane David arrived in the world in 1921, eventually becoming a pivotal force in American popular music. His career spanned decades, during which he provided the lyrics for dozens of enduring hits. Working from New York City and later Los Angeles, David shaped the emotional vocabulary of a generation through his collaborations and independent songwriting efforts.
Early Development and Career
Born to Austrian Jewish immigrants in New York City, David attended Thomas Jefferson High School and studied journalism at New York University. He began his professional songwriting life in the 1940s, drafting material for bandleaders Sammy Kaye and Guy Lombardo. In 1951, he contributed to the film Two Gals and a Guy and co-wrote the Christmas track I Believe in Santa Claus, which gained traction when recorded by The Stargazers.
The Partnership with Burt Bacharach
Starting in 1956 at the Brill Building, David paired with composer Burt Bacharach to create a string of successful songs. Their early output included The Story of My Life, which achieved number one status in the UK. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, the duo produced hits for artists like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Tom Jones. Their work encompassed film scores, such as the Oscar-winning Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head, and theatrical pieces, including the musical Promises, Promises.
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Tensions following the production of the 1973 film Lost Horizon led to a legal rift between David and Bacharach, ending their collaboration. David continued to work with other composers, producing hits such as To All the Girls I've Loved Before with Albert Hammond and Broken Hearted Melody with Sherman Edwards. His contributions to film music remained consistent, extending to themes for three James Bond films, including Moonraker.
Legacy and Final Years
David received widespread recognition, including the 2012 Gershwin Prize and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He served on the board of governors for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and helped found the Los Angeles Music Center. He died at age 91 in 2012 and is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park beside his first wife, Anne.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, New York City
- Died: 2012, Los Angeles
- Primary Collaborator: Burt Bacharach
- Academy Award for Best Original Song: 1970
- Grammy Trustees Award: 1997
- Gershwin Prize: 2012
- Burial Site: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- Education: Thomas Jefferson High School
Questions readers ask
Which James Bond songs did Hal David write?
He provided lyrics for The Look of Love, We Have All the Time in the World, and Moonraker.
What caused the professional split between David and Bacharach?
The partnership effectively ended following creative and commercial difficulties during the production of the 1973 film musical Lost Horizon.
Did Hal David write music alone?
He was an active songwriter who collaborated with numerous composers, including Albert Hammond, Sherman Edwards, Paul Hampton, and Archie Jordan.
Achievements
- Grammy Trustees Award — 1997
- Academy Award for Best Original Song — 1970
- Educated at Thomas Jefferson High School
- Worked as composer, pianist and songwriter
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