Hal David "Now, how do I go about the business of writing lyrics? I wish I really knew. If I did it would make writing much easier for me. Because I have no formula, sometimes it flows smoothly and other times it is like rowing a boat upstream. Most often a lyric starts with a title. A line in a book I am reading may set me off. Other times some dialogue in a play or a movie becomes the catalyst. More often than not the idea just pops into my head-where it comes from I hardly ever know....In writing I search for believability, simplicity, and emotional impact..." "The form of songwriting is very restrictive because it's in a very small frame. But because of its restrictions you get a bonus you couldn't get in any other art form. Because it is in this little microcosm, if it works it should have a greater explosion, a greater impact. And I think that's why songs have a greater effect on the public than almost any other form of creative work." "I'm a laborer. I never accept my first idea. I always look for a new approach. The most difficult part of the whole process for me is letting go; of saying 'that's the best I can do,' and go on to the next song."   Birth Name: Hal David Induction Year: 1984 Date of Birth: 5/25/1921 Place of Birth: New York, NY Former Occupations: journalist (first job was at the New York Post) Education: College--New York University (journalism major) Career Milestones: 1947--wrote first song for bandleader Sammy Kaye 1957--first teamed up with Burt Bacharach at Famous Paramount Music publishing Company in New York City 1958--first hit for Bacharach and David, Perry Como's "Magic Moments" 1958--David and Bacharach's song "Story of My Life" became a #1 country hit for Marty Robbins late 1970s--came to Nashville, began co-writing with Archie Jordan 1980-1986--served as President of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Awards: 1969--Academy Award (Oscar)\Music (Song Original For the Picture-Butch Cassidy and the Sundace Kid)\Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head 1969--NARAS\Grammy\Best Original Score From an Original Cast Show Album\Promises, Promises 1969--NARM\President's Award for Sustained Creative Achievement (with Burt Bacharach) 1969--B'nai B'rith\Creative Achievement Award (with Burt Bacharach) 1972--National Academy of Popular Music\Songwriters' Hall of Fame induction 1991--Lincoln College\Doctor of Music Degree 1996--National Academy of Popular Music\Johnny Mercer Award (with Burt Bacharach) 1997--NARAS\Grammy Trustees Award\Burt Bacharach & Hal David National Academy of Popular Music Songwriter's Hall of Fame induction ASCAP\Founders Award Catalog Highlights Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: B.J. Thomas, Perry Como, Robert Goulet, Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick, Mel Torme, Englebert Humperdinck Alfie Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Frankie Lane (1949), Cilla Black What's New Pussycat? Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Tom Jones, Capitol Steps, Tom Jones, Barbra Streisand The Look of Love Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dusty Springfield, Brazil 66, Milt Jackson, Tony Bennett, Shirley Bassey, Andy Williams, Sergio Mendes, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Lettermen, Gladys Knight and the Pips I'll Never Fall in Love Again Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick It Was Almost Like a Song Co-writer: Archie Jordan Artists: Ronnie Milsap (1977) This Guy's in Love With You Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Herb Alpert What the World Needs Now Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick Promises, Promises Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick One Less Bell to Answer Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: 5th Dimension I Say a Little Prayer Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick Do You Know the Way to San Jose? Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick Santa Barbara Co-writer: Archie Jordan Artists: Ronnie Milsap (1978) Walk On By Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: Dionne Warwick (They Long to Be) Close to You Co-writer: Burt Bacharach Artists: The Carpenters To All the Girls I've Loved Before Co-writer: Albert Hammond Artists: Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias (1984) No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors Co-writer: Archie Jordan Artists: Barbara Mandrell Using Things and Loving People Co-writer: Archie Jordan Artists: B.J. Thomas and George Burns Comments: Wrote the lyrics for the following film scores: "Wives and Lovers," "Casino Royale," "April Fools," "Lost Horizon," "After the Fox," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "Oklahoma Crude," "What's New Pussycat?" "Two Gals and a Guy," "Promise Her Anything," "Alfie," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and "Moonraker" Author of the book "What the World Needs Now and Other Love Lyrics"