Marvin Hamlisch passed away on 6 August 2012 at the age of 68. He is certainly more than just a composer of film, musical and song, he is a true lounge legend.
The best site recalling all his memorable works is this one: http://www.mfiles.co.uk/composers/Marvin-Hamlisch.htm Please feel free to recommend other sites in your comments.
For EZ listening fans who want to remember him through 'great versions' of THE WAY WE WERE, here are some of my personal favourites in no particular order:
Vocal:
Barbra Streisand (the standard)
Gladys Knight (a very soulful version woven into a medley with 'Try to Remember')
Perry Como (rendered in true Como fashion - breezy crooning)
Ray Conniff (a rare female solo from Conniff's chorus)
Instrumental:
Manuel and the Music of the Mountains (soft opening cadences plus the wordless male chorus accentuates sentimentality on a grand scale)
Paul Mauriat (superb piano opening intones the emotional beating of the lover's heart)
Henry Mancini (begins the tune with a string introduction of the opening bars of 'The Days of Wine and Roses')
Richard Clayderman (simple and to point, on the piano)
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12 August 2012
