Marilyn Bergman Mourned by Norman Lear, Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett and More: ‘Her Music Lives On’
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Hollywood is paying their respects to Marilyn Bergman, one half of the songwriting team of Bergman and her husband Alan, after the 93-year-old passed on Saturday morning.
Actors, musicians and producers posted tributes to the popular lyricist, whose decades-long career yielded Oscars, Emmys and Grammys for songs like “The Way We Were,” Windmills of Your Mind,” “Yellow Bird” and “Nice ‘n’ Easy.”
Norman Lear, whose shows “Good Times” and “Maude” featured Bergman-penned theme songs, saluted her as a singular talent.
“There was only one Marilyn Bergman. No one knew that more than her husband and partner in music, Alan,” tweeted the 99-year-old producer. “To those of us who loved the Bergman’s lyrics, Marilyn takes a bit of our hearts and souls with her today.”
There was only one Marilyn Bergman. No one knew that more than her husband and partner in music, Alan. To those of us who loved the Bergman’s lyrics, Marilyn takes a bit of our hearts and souls with her today.
— Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) January 8, 2022
Megaproducer Quincy Jones posted a photo of himself and the Bergmans, accompanied by a heartfelt series of Tweets.
“My dear, dear, beautiful Marilyn Bergman, to lose you this morning, so close to our brother Sidney, is just crushing me. You, along with your beloved Alan, were the epitome of Nadia Boulanger’s belief that ‘an artist can never be more or less than they are as a human being.'”
My dear, dear, beautiful Marilyn Bergman, to lose you this morning, so close to our brother Sidney, is just crushing me. You, along with your beloved Alan, were the epitome of Nadia Boulanger’s belief that “an artist can never be more or less than they are as a human being”(1/3) pic.twitter.com/2y7v76W4jJ
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) January 8, 2022
He continued, “The secret weapon to your songwriting…the unconditional love in your heart for your family, friends, and community… We shared so much of life together… songs, laughter, love and hugs, and every minute was pure joy.”
Tony Bennett posted a message with a link to his song “How Do You Keep The Music Alive?,” written by the Bergmans. “Marilyn and Alan Bergman with Michele [sic] Legrand wrote my favorite song, ‘How Do You Keep The Music Playing?’ We lost Marilyn today, but her music keeps playing.”
Marilyn and Alan Bergman with Michele Legrand wrote my favorite song, “How Do You Keep The Music Playing? We lost Marilyn today, but her music keeps playing.https://t.co/iM1fITp9zz
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) January 8, 2022
Diane Warren shared a link to Dusty Springfield’s “Windmills Of Your Mind,” the 1969 song written by the Bergmans. “Write in power forever Marolyn [sic]. Thank U for so many songs that will live forever,” she added.
My favorite of the many ggrat songs written by Marilyn Bergman. Write in power forever Marolyn. Thank U for so many songs that will live forever.
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) January 8, 2022
Paul Reiser tweeted, “We’ve lost one of the most talented, beautiful and inspriing [sic] woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Marilyn Bergman was so unique – and badass in the most glorious ways. RIP dear, dear Marilyn.”
We've lost one of the most talented, beautiful and inspriing woman I've ever had the pleasure to know. Marilyn Bergman was so unique – and badass in the most glorious ways. RIP dear, dear Marilyn. https://t.co/hkPrN7Hjoh
— Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) January 8, 2022
Dana Delany recalled meeting Bergman and reflected on the couples’ loving relationship, writing, “I met Marilyn thru politics, early 90’s. Warm, gracious & fierce. But what I will always remember is how much Alan loved her. ‘What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?’ Her music lives on.”
I met Marilyn thru politics, early 90’s. Warm, gracious & fierce. But what I will always remember is how much Alan loved her. “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” Her music lives on. https://t.co/qvLMHWidpZ
— Dana Delany (@DanaDelany) January 8, 2022
Read more reactions below:
Agreed! Over the years I’ve listened to Dusty Springfield singing The Windmills of Your Mind more times than I can count. Rest In Peace, Marilyn Bergman. https://t.co/l0G93klTuO
— Mo Rocca (@MoRocca) January 8, 2022
Devastating news- #MarilynBergman has left us. One of my favorite people on planet earth. Singing the songs she wrote with her husband Alan is always a sublime experience. I will sing them with even more fervor now so the heavens can hear. https://t.co/5zzS4JYKGX
— Ann Hampton Callaway (@annhcallaway) January 8, 2022
She wrote my one line on a piece of paper “Whatsa matter, Mate? Trouble with the wife?” My first film acting role, a Cockney woman in “The Horse’s Mouth,” AFI Directing Workshop for Women. My favorite quote, “Words matter.” Grateful to her always.
— Beth Grant (@BethGrantActor) January 8, 2022
#RIPMarilynBergman:
With a resume as big as her heart – Multiple Oscar, Emmy, Grammy Winner Was 93 –
Love to Alan and Julie
We mourn with you https://t.co/KZ7O0tsZtd— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) January 8, 2022
Marilyn Bergman wrote beautiful lyrics w husband Alan for some of the greatest, most memorable songs of all time. An astonishing body of work. RIP. https://t.co/ByCbZrMvgx
— Eric Tuchman (@erictuchman) January 8, 2022
Marilyn Bergman wrote songs like no one else. In honor of her life, please look up her songs and play them today. Start here: https://t.co/szQD1pfAgC
— Erich Bergen (@erichbergen) January 8, 2022