Mack David, 81; Lyricist for Film Scores, Pop Songs

Lyricist Mack David, who wrote the words for more than 100 pop and film tunes, including songs for “Gone With the Wind” and Walt Disney’s “Cinderella,” has died. He was 81.

David, whose younger brother, Hal, is also a noted lyricist, died Thursday at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital in Rancho Mirage, nursing supervisor Geri Chaney said.

Among David’s more famous compositions are lyrics to songs from “Gone With The Wind” (“My Own True Love”), “Ryan’s Daughter” (“It Was a Good Time”), and “Cinderella” (“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”). He also wrote songs for “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “Cat Ballou.”

David provided the words for “I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine,” recorded by Elvis Presley, and “It Must Be Him,” performed by Vicki Carr.

He also created the lyrics for several popular 1960s television detective shows, including “77 Sunset Strip,” “Hawaiian Eye” and “Surfside 6.”

David received eight Oscar nominations during a five-decade career as a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Among those he collaborated with were Jerry Livingston, Duke Ellington, Johnny Green, Count Basie and Jimmy Van Husen.

“Any which way the music business went, he was able to move in that direction,” said his brother Hal, best known for his collaborations with composer Burt Bacharach. “He was always young enough at heart to turn with it.”

Besides his brother, David is survived by his wife, Bea; a son, a daughter and two grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles.