Washington, DC — People For the American Way is deeply saddened by the loss of Marilyn Bergman, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy Award-winning lyricist, long-time People For board member and dear friend and collaborator of People For founder Norman Lear. Bergman passed away today at the age of 93.
Bergman will be remembered as a legendary lyricist whose popular film and TV songs of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including, “The Way We Were,” and television theme songs for “Maude” and “Good Times,” produced by Lear, left us with some of the most memorable music of all time.
“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,” said Lear in a posting on Twitter.
“Marilyn Bergman was brilliant and one of the most iconic lyricists of our time. Her music marked major milestones in American culture and created the soundtracks of our lives. She was a fierce advocate for fair compensation for composers, and she will be greatly missed by the People For family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones,” said People For the American Way President Ben Jealous.
Bergman served as the first woman president and chairman of the board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Bergman is survived by her husband, Alan Bergman, who is 96, daughter Julie Bergman and a granddaughter.
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org