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American Standard

Burt Bacharach’s A House Is Not a Home, composed in 1964 with lyrics by Hal David, is an American standard due to its timeless melody, emotional depth, and widespread influence. First recorded by Dionne Warwick, its lush orchestration and sophisticated chord progressions exemplify Bacharach’s signature style, blending pop, jazz, and soul. The song’s poignant lyrics about love and loss resonate universally, elevating it beyond its era. Its versatility is evident in covers by artists like Luther Vandross and Barbra Streisand, cementing its place in the Great American Songbook.

The song’s enduring presence in film, television, and live performances underscores its cultural significance. Bacharach’s innovative composition, paired with David’s heartfelt storytelling, creates a piece that transcends generations, embodying the emotional and musical qualities of a standard. Its lasting impact and universal appeal solidify A House Is Not a Home as an American classic.

Born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood on July 6, 1931, Della Reese grew up in a working-class family with a steelworker father and cook mother. She began singing gospel in church at age six, honing her blues-jazz style amid economic hardship. After her mother’s 1949 death, she dropped out of Wayne State University to support her ailing father, taking odd jobs like truck driving before leaving home over family discord. Performing in local clubs, she shortened her name and toured with Mahalia Jackson as a teen, launching her career.

By the 1960s, signed to RCA Victor after Jubilee success, Reese transitioned to pop standards. She recorded Burt Bacharach’s “A House Is Not a Home” on her 1967 ABC album On Strings of Blue, infusing it with soulful depth; conveying a sense that she has a deep understanding of heartbreak.