Burt Bacharach, one the most important songwriters of the 20th Century, has passed away at the age of 94.

This American musician recorded more than 500 songs over his career. He was the inspiration behind such hits as I Say A Little Prayer and Walk On By.

Bacharach was a composer for Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield. He also provided a soothing alternative to rock and roll music in the 1960s, 1970s.

His music was characterized by unique arrangements and memorable melodies. More than 1200 artists have performed his songs.

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In his seven-decade-long career, Bacharach was awarded six Grammys, one for lifetime achievement, and three Oscars.

On Wednesday, he died from natural causes in his Los Angeles home with his family.

Bacharach was compared to American legends George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Marlene Dietrich when he started his career as an songwriter in the 1950s. He then began a professional relationship in 1957 with Hal David.

Their talents took off when Bacharach, David and Dionne Warwick met in 1961. 39 of their chart hits were written by them.

Noel Gallagher, singer of the Beatles, was one of those who paid tribute. He wrote on Instagram: “RIP Maestro. It was an honor to have known you.

‘Innovative, original’

Bacharach said, “I’m an individual that always tries and deals with melody,” when he spoke about his musical talents.

David once said to an interviewer, “He was just different.” Innovative, original. His music was a gift. I would hear his melodies, and I would hear the lyrics. I would hear his rhymes and thoughts, and it would be almost instantaneously.

Bacharach performed in concert all over the globe late in his career. This was due to the resurgence in lounge music in 1990s.

His work was still being remixed and used in samples long after he stopped making hits. Hollywood also continued to use many of his songs as soundtracks for their films.

Although he was hailed as the “king of easy listening”, his admirers would argue that his use of complex melodies and mixed meters made his compositions difficult to listen to.

Collaborations with stars such as Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello, as well as a Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury Festival 2015 proved that Bacharach is still in fashion.

Three days before his death, Bacharach had tweeted his performance of Toledo together with Costello.

Bacharach was hailed as “father, husband, and friend” on his Instagram page.

It said, “He gave so much to the world, and we will never forget him.” Please keep listening to the music.

Bacharach was married four times, the last time in 1993 with Jane Hansen, his surviving spouse. They had two children together.

‘A great source of inspiration’

Social media was full of tributes. Tim Burgess (the lead singer of The Charlatans) wrote: “One the greatest songwriting legacies ever in the history of mankind.” Farewell Burt Bacharach. You were a king.

Tony Parsons, a journalist, tweeted: “If Elvis gave music its body, and Dylan gave it its mind, then beautiful Burt Bacharach gave music its grace and sophistication, and class.”

Dave Davies, The Kinks guitarist, said it was a “very sad and difficult day”.

He said, “[Burt] was probably the most influential songwriters our time.” He was an inspiration.”