LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2025 — Alan Bergman, the celebrated American lyricist behind timeless tunes like “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” and “The Way We Were,” died Thursday at his Los Angeles home. He was 99.
The award-winning lyricist had been battling respiratory issues but continued writing until his final days.
- Alan Bergman, a renowned lyricist, died at 99.
- He penned classics like “The Way We Were” with his wife, Marilyn.
- The duo collaborated with stars including Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra.
- Their song “The Way We Were” won an Oscar in 1974.
- Bergman’s career spanned decades, earning multiple accolades.
Bergman, whose lyrical prowess gifted the world standards like “It Might Be You” and the iconic Barbra Streisand ballad from the 1973 film “Our Most Beautiful Years,” was a titan of songwriting. His family spokesman, Ken Sunshine, confirmed his passing, noting Bergman’s continued dedication to his craft.
A Legacy of Lyrical Brilliance
For over six decades, Bergman and his wife, Marilyn, formed one of music’s most prolific and successful songwriting partnerships. Married in 1958, their collaboration lasted until Marilyn’s death in 2022. Together, they crafted hundreds of songs, often working with legendary composers such as Marvin Hamlisch, Quincy Jones, Michel Legrand, and Cy Coleman. Their film theme songs frequently achieved a fame rivaling the movies themselves.
Many of the greatest artists of the 20th century brought the Bergmans’ lyrics to life. Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Tony Bennett were among those who interpreted their compositions. Barbra Streisand, in particular, became a frequent collaborator and close friend, her voice intrinsically linked to many of their most memorable works.
Storied Songwriting Achievements
The Bergmans’ extensive catalog includes memorable duets like “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” sung by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, and Sinatra’s signature tune “Nice ‘n’ Easy.” They also penned theme songs for beloved 1970s television series such as “Maude” and “Good Times.”
Their cinematic contributions are equally impressive. They wrote “In the Heat of the Night,” famously sung by Ray Charles, for the film of the same name. Michel Legrand set “The Windmills of Your Mind” to music for “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and “It Might Be You,” featured in “Tootsie,” was sung by Stephen Bishop.
The pinnacle of their film work came with “The Way We Were.” Recorded by Streisand for Sydney Pollack’s 1973 romantic drama, the nostalgic ballad, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, became a cultural touchstone. It not only earned the Bergmans an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1974 but also topped the charts as the best-selling song of that year.
Enduring Collaborative Spirit
The Bergmans’ career was punctuated by numerous awards and critical acclaim. They received widespread recognition for their body of work, including tributes from artists who celebrated their lyrical genius. Barbra Streisand’s 2011 album “What Matters Most,” featuring their songs, was a testament to their enduring influence.
While their film scores are widely celebrated, the Bergmans also ventured into Broadway with the musical “Ballroom” and wrote lyrics for the symphony “Visions of America.” Their collaborative process was famously seamless, with the couple often finding themselves on the same wavelength simultaneously. Alan once likened their partnership to household chores: “One washes, the other dries,” a sentiment that even inspired a song composed to a melody by Marvin Hamlisch.
