Hal David Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Hal David Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Hal David is an American lyricist celebrated for his collaborations with Burt Bacharach and a catalogue of songs that defined the golden era of pop music.

Introduction

Born on May 25, 1921, Hal David carved a timeless legacy with lyrics that permeated popular culture—from “What the World Needs Now Is Love” to “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” The lyricist’s estimated net worth is around US $40 million according to one source.  His personal life includes marriages (first to Anne Rauchmann, later to Eunice Forester) and a dedicated but private family life.

Quick Facts

From Brooklyn Deli to Brill Building Breakthrough

Hal David’s story begins in Brooklyn, where he was born to Austrian-Jewish immigrant parents Lina and Gedalie David.  His older brother Mack was already writing songs for Tin Pan Alley, which planted early seeds of musical ambition. David studied journalism at New York University before World War II led him into the U.S. Army’s entertainment unit, where he began crafting lyrics for wartime shows. 

His professional transition into songwriting took root in the 1940s—with work for Sammy Kaye and Guy Lombardo—before the defining partnership came in 1956-57 when he paired with composer Burt Bacharach at Famous Music in the Brill Building.  Together they achieved back-to-back hits (e.g., “The Story of My Life” and “Magic Moments”) and established a blueprint for pop songwriting. 

Defining moments in Hal David’s journey include:

• Moving from journalism to lyric writing during WWII.

• First major hit in 1949 (“The Four Winds and the Seven Seas”). 

• Meeting Burt Bacharach and forming a songwriting team.

• Penning landmark songs of the 1960s that became part of pop culture.

• Leadership roles in music organizations and advocacy for songwriting rights. 

The Core Pillars of Hal David’s Wealth

The core pillars of Hal David’s wealth include:

• Song catalog royalty streams – His co-written songs with Bacharach and others continue to generate performance, mechanical and sync royalties.

• Broadway and film contributions – Musicals like Promises, Promises and film songs such as for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid widened his income base. 

• Publishing interests and legacy rights – As he advanced in his career, ownership and administration of song rights added financial ballast.

Relationships & Family Life

Hal David’s personal life was anchored by long-standing relationships and a commitment to family. He first married Anne Rauchmann in the late 1940s; they had two sons and remained married until her death in 1987. He later married Eunice Forester. 

Key insights into Hal David’s relationships and personal life:

• He kept his family life largely out of the spotlight despite enormous professional success.

• His marriages coincided with different phases of his career: early creative bloom, and later legacy consolidation.

• He embraced roles beyond songwriting: serving on the board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), among others. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Hal David led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Living for many years in East Hills, New York, in a historic cottage on the Mackay Estate. 

• A dedication to institutional arts support and charitable boards (Los Angeles Music Center, etc.). 

• A lifelong devotion to the craft of lyric-writing, with influences from Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and other classic song-smiths. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Hal David’s net worth has been evaluated by various outlets and sheds light on how his creative capital translated into financial value.

While some lesser-known sources place his net worth at around US $20 million, the most cited figure is US $40 million.  The variation may reflect different accounting of legacy rights, publishing stakes, or private investments. Regardless, the enduring popularity of his songwriting catalog remains a significant long-term driver.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Hal David occupies a rare position in the world of popular music: a lyricist whose lines transcended their time to become part of the cultural fabric. His collaborations—most notably with Burt Bacharach—yielded songs like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” all of which continue to be used in films, commercials and cover versions.

He was honored with fellowships and awards including the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2011 (together with Bacharach).  Among industry professionals, Hal David is regarded as both a craftsman (turning complex feelings into deceptively simple lyrics) and a pioneer in the business of songwriting rights and advocacy. His leadership roles in ASCAP and the Songwriters Hall of Fame reflect this dual legacy of art and commerce.

Conclusion

From his birth on May 25, 1921 to a career that spanned decades and produced some of the most enduring songs in American popular music, Hal David’s journey offers a compelling blend of artistic ambition, collaborative flair and financial acumen. With an estimated net worth around US $40 million, a stable family life, and a catalogue of work that continues to resonate, his impact is lasting. The lyricist’s birthday remains May 25—a marker of the mind behind timeless lines—and his personal life, including the support of his spouse and children, reflects the quieter foundation beneath his creative brilliance. In his legacy, one finds both a poetic lyric-writer and a thoughtful steward of popular culture.