Highlights from Promises, Promises

Burt Bacharach

Promises , Promises is a musical with music by Burt Bacharach , lyrics by Hal David and a book by Neil Simon . Based on the 1960 film The Apartment , t he story concerns a junior executive at an insurance company who seeks to climb the corporate ladder by allowing his apartment to be used by his married superiors for trysts . Highlights include “Knowing When to Leave,” I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Whoever You Are I Love You,” and “Promises, Promises.”

Bacharach’s music is characterized by unusual chord progressions and time signature changes, reflecting his background in jazz .

Burt Bacharach (1928-2023 ) was a composer, songwriter and performer. He was born in Kansas City, MO and grew up in Queens, NY. He studied at McGill University in Montreal, Mannes School of Music in New York City, and Music Academy of the West in Montecito, CA . One of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music , h e composed hundreds of pop songs, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David . During the 60’s, most of his hits were written for Dionne Warwick . Earlier associations saw work with Marty Robbins , Perry Como , Gene McDaniels and Jerry Butler . Other singers for whom he wrote hits include Gene Pitney , Dusty Springfield , Tom Jones , and B.J. Thomas . In later years, he wrote soundtracks for major feature films.

Last updated on October 23, 2023 by Palatine Concert Band