MUMBAI: Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Norman Gimbel has died. He was 91.

Gimbel, an Oscar and Grammy-winning composer whose lyrics graced hit songs such as Roberta Flack's "Killing me softly with his song" and Jim Croce's I Got A Name, passed away on 19 December at his longtime home in Montecito, reports variety.com.

His death was confirmed by BMI, which paid tribute on its website, noting: "BMI was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of renowned songwriter Norman Gimbel, a truly prolific and gifted writer who will be greatly missed by his many friends and fans here."

The Brooklyn native wrote the words to both The Girl From Ipanema and the Happy Days theme, earning an Academy Award with David Shire for Jennifer Warnes' It Goes Like It Goes, the Best Original Song winner for 1979's Norma Rae.

Gimbel is survived by his sons Tony and Peter and daughters Nelly and Hannah.

(Source: IANS)