Alan Bergman, the iconic songwriter whose poetic lyrics helped shape timeless classics like “The Way We Were”, “It Might Be You”, and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”, has passed away at the age of 99.
Bergman died peacefully Thursday night at his Los Angeles home, with his daughter Julie Bergman… an accomplished writer and film producer… by his side, according to family spokesperson Ken Sunshine. Despite facing respiratory challenges in recent months, the Oscar-winning lyricist continued crafting music until his final days.
Alongside his beloved wife and songwriting partner Marilyn Bergman, who passed in 2022, Alan formed one of the most revered creative duos in music history. Married since 1958, the Bergmans collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Quincy Jones, Michel Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, and Cy Coleman. Their lyrical genius brought emotional depth to countless film scores and radio hits.
Their work was embraced by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, and especially Barbra Streisand, who not only performed many of their songs but also shared a personal bond with the couple.
The Bergmans’ songs didn’t just accompany films… they defined them. Their legacy lives on through lyrics that captured hearts across generations and continents.
