BMI Remembers Legendary Songwriter Cynthia Weil
BMI was tremendously saddened to learn today of the passing of its renowned longtime affiliate, songwriter and BMI Icon Cynthia Weil. As one half of the legendary songwriting duo Mann & Weil, native New Yorker Cynthia Weil crafted, alongside her husband Barry Mann, some of the most timeless music in the American canon, originally from Manhattan’s famed Brill Building in the 1960s, and for the next three decades.
The list of Cynthia Weil’s creative achievements is long and varied. Her lyrics, brought to life by the melodies of Barry Mann, infused some of the most beloved pop music ever written. Together, the couple wrote such classics as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” (with Phil Spector), “On Broadway” (with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller), “Walking In the Rain,” “Kicks,” “Soul and Inspiration,” “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Here You Come Again,” “Never Gonna Let You Go,” “Just Once,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Don’t Know Much” (with Tom Snow), and the double GRAMMY-winning “Somewhere Out There,” to name just a few.
Together, Mann & Weil were the recipients of the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Songwriters, The Clooney Foundation’s Award for Legendary Song Composition, and the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Over the years, BMI has been privileged to salute Barry and Cynthia with a remarkable 112 Pop, Country and R&B Awards, recognizing their incomparable songwriting, as well as the BMI Icon Award in 2016, honoring their incredible impact and influence on countless music fans and creators alike.
“Cynthia Weil will forever be known as music royalty,” said Barbara Cane, BMI’s VP Worldwide Creative & Advisor, “She is simply one of the finest lyricists and songwriters in the world. Her words are synonymous with giving meaning to the simple and pure joys of life, laughter, love, tears, and memories. Cynthia not only influenced decades of pop music, but she also changed world culture with lyrics that added color and brilliance for so many. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Cynthia as a BMI songwriter. But above all, and most enduring, Cynthia was my friend. Her loving and caring heart welcomed me into her heart, home and family. The beautiful music Cynthia created will always live and play in my heart.”
Cynthia Weil was an extraordinary talent in the songwriting community and will be forever missed by her friends, fans and family at BMI.
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