A musical era ended last month with the passing of multi-Oscar-winning lyricist Alan Bergman, who, along with his wife Marilyn Bergman, penned some of the most enduring and definitive songs of 20th-century Hollywood and popular music. Bergman, who was 99, passed away of natural causes on July 17th.
The Bergmans (Marilyn died in 2022 at age 93) were among the most successful songwriting duos of their era, winning three Oscars, four Emmys, two GRAMMYS, and being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Brooklyn-raised couple, who married in 1958, had a particularly long, close relationship with Barbra Streisand, for whom they wrote the iconic “The Way We Were” for the 1973 film of the same name, and the score for the 1983 film “Yentl,” winning Academy Awards for both. The Bergmans also collaborated with famed composers Marvin Hamlisch and Michel LeGrande, as well as with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, and many other stars.
Alan Bergman’s passing was a blow to Frost School dean Shelton G. “Shelly” Berg, who was close to the couple. In September, Berg, who performed with the Bergmans in a presentation at Festival Miami in 2008, will join Michael Feinstein, Jackson Browne, Seth MacFarlane, and many other notable artists in Los Angeles for what was to have been a 100th birthday party for Alan Bergman and will now be a tribute to his legacy.
“I was very sad to hear of the passing of a true musical icon and genius, Alan Bergman,” Berg said. “Through their timeless lyrics, Alan and Marilyn Bergman found a way, over and over again, to express the deepest crevices of human experience. They were warm and brilliant, but also perfectionists who didn’t suffer fools. Their work ethic was enviable, and Alan continued writing to his last days. Alan was exceedingly kind, and Marilyn watched his back when he might try to give you the shirt from it - what a pair!”
Berg said that one of couple's songs was especially meaningful at this moment. “Although not their most famous song, “On My Way to You” with music by Michel Legrand, is one of my favorites," he said. "It speaks of having found love after many twists and turns of life.”
All the time I knew it
Love was out there waiting
Though I may regret a kiss or two
If I had changed a single day
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you
