'What an incredible legacy': Richard Wilkins remembers Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach has been remembered as "a lovely man who was full of life" following news this morning of the music legend's death.

Bacharach was the talent behind some of the biggest hits of the past century, an unforgettable performer who also composed songs for the likes of Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield and Elvis Costello, to name a few.

Nine's entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said he was "very blessed" to have sat down with the legend on more than one occasion.

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"What an incredible legacy - he wrote songs that our grandparents sang along to, our parents did, we do and our grandkids will," he said.

Wilkins called his collaborations with lyricist Hal David "timeless" and said his songs will continue to feature in movies for years to come.

"He put these beautiful melodies and wonderful chords behind the lyrics," Wilkins said.

He recalled how special Bacharach was as an interview subject and praised his work - particularly the dozens of hits he had with Say A Little Prayer singer Dionne Warwick.

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"I remember sitting opposite him at the Sydney Opera House at the piano and at his home in the (United) States," Wilkins said.

"It's one of those lovely interviews when an artist is sitting at the piano and you ask them about a song and he just goes into it.

"A lovely man, full life, four marriages and countless songs that we will be singing along to today and forever."

See Wilkins' full tribute in the video above.

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