By Ask ChaAlan Bergman, one of the most beloved and celebrated American lyricists of the 20th century, passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 99. Known for his decades-long songwriting partnership with his wife Marilyn Bergman, Alan leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable music that defined generations. From Frank Sinatra to Barbra Streisand, the Bergmans’ words were the emotional core of countless hits.
Their songs weren’t just popular — they were powerful. They told stories, captured emotions, and became woven into the soundtrack of millions of lives. With Marilyn, who passed in 2022, Alan helped shape a golden era of songwriting that spanned six decades.
Let’s take a look at the life, love, and lyrics of this remarkable artist who continued to write from the heart into his 90s.
A Love Story Set to Music
A Creative Spark from Day One
Alan and Marilyn’s story began in 1956 when they met in Los Angeles through composer Lew Spence. That same day, they wrote their first song together. Alan would later admit the song wasn’t great — but the experience lit a spark.
“It was a terrible song, but we loved the process,” Alan said in a 2011 interview. That joy in collaboration never faded. The couple married in 1958 and remained creative and personal partners for over 60 years.
Hits That Made History
From the moment they teamed up, the Bergmans crafted timeless lyrics. Some of their best-known works include:
- The Way We Were (with Marvin Hamlisch)
- The Windmills of Your Mind (with Michel Legrand)
- Songs from the film Yentl
- Theme songs for TV classics like Maude, Alice, and Good Times
These weren’t just hits — they were emotionally rich, story-driven pieces that resonated with audiences around the world.
Awards, Accolades, and a Hall of Fame Legacy
Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy Wins
The Bergmans’ incredible career brought them major industry recognition:
- 3 Academy Awards for Best Original Song
- 4 Emmy Awards
- 2 Grammy Awards
- Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980
They became the first lyricists to have three songs nominated in the same Oscar year — an extraordinary feat that highlighted their creative dominance.
Musical Collaborators
The Bergmans worked with some of the greatest composers of their time, including:
- Michel Legrand
- Marvin Hamlisch
- John Williams
- Quincy Jones
And their lyrics were performed by icons like:
- Frank Sinatra
- Barbra Streisand
- Dean Martin
- Johnny Mathis
- Sting
Barbra Streisand, a frequent collaborator and friend, once said, “My last conversation with him was about a wonderful song he was working on. At 99, his creative gifts still flowed.”
Early Life and Influences
Brooklyn Beginnings and Musical Mentors
Alan Bergman was born in Brooklyn, New York, in September 1925. He studied music at the University of North Carolina and later earned a Master’s degree from UCLA. It was there that he met Johnny Mercer, the legendary lyricist behind Moon River, who became a mentor and lifelong influence.
Before fully diving into songwriting, Alan worked as a TV producer in Philadelphia. But thanks to Mercer’s encouragement, he moved to California in the 1950s to pursue music full-time.
The Creative Process
Alan liked to describe their songwriting method with a baseball analogy: “pitching and catching” ideas. They typically wrote lyrics after receiving the music. “We believe that words are at the tips of those notes, and it’s our job to find them,” he said.
Defining Moments in Music
Sinatra and the Big Break
“Yellow Bird” was the couple’s first commercial success. But it was their work on Frank Sinatra’s 1960 album Nice ’n’ Easy that gave them widespread recognition. Sinatra affectionately called them “the kids” and became a loyal interpreter of their work.
Oscars and Industry Milestones
In 1969, they won their first Oscar for The Windmills of Your Mind, followed by The Way We Were in 1974. In 1983, their lyrics for Yentl earned them a third Oscar, further cementing their place in Hollywood history.
They were also behind Emmy-winning work in projects like:
- Queen of the Stardust Ballroom (1975)
- Sybil (1977)
- Barbra: The Concert (1995)
Alan After Marilyn
Even after Marilyn’s passing in 2022, Alan continued to write. One of his final pieces, Wherever I May Go (for Marilyn), was a heartfelt tribute to his late wife and partner.
In 2024, he told JazzTimes: “I would not be here today without [Johnny Mercer]. He was a great influence.” And despite his age, Alan remained active and curious, always working on new lyrics and ideas.
Tips for Aspiring Songwriters
- Write with Emotion – Alan and Marilyn’s lyrics were rich in feeling. Start from a place of truth.
- Collaborate – Great music often comes from creative partnerships. Find someone who complements your style.
- Learn the Craft – Study legends like Johnny Mercer, the Bergmans, and others who shaped the golden age of songwriting.
- Stay Curious – Even at 99, Alan was exploring ideas. Never stop learning.
- Trust the Music – Let the notes guide your words, and let the melody inspire the story.
Conclusion
Alan Bergman wasn’t just a songwriter — he was a storyteller, a dreamer, and a romantic. With Marilyn by his side, he helped define an era of music that will be remembered for generations. Their work touched millions, and their influence will continue to be felt every time a timeless lyric is sung.
While Alan’s voice is now silent, his words will echo forever in the songs he left behind.
FAQ
Q1: What was Alan Bergman best known for?
He was best known for writing lyrics to iconic songs like The Way We Were, The Windmills of Your Mind, and music from Yentl, often in collaboration with his wife, Marilyn Bergman.
Q2: How many Oscars did the Bergmans win?
The couple won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
Q3: Who recorded Alan and Marilyn Bergman’s songs?
Artists like Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sting, Dean Martin, and Johnny Mathis recorded their songs.
Q4: Did Alan Bergman continue writing after Marilyn’s death?
Yes, he continued writing well into his 90s, including a tribute song to Marilyn.
Q5: What made the Bergmans’ songwriting special?
Their lyrics were deeply emotional, poetic, and timeless, often inspired directly by the melodies they received from composers.
Rest in peace, Alan Bergman. Thank you for the music.tGPT
