Anyone Who Had a Heart: My Life and Music

By Burt Bacharach

One of the greatest songwriters of all time finally shares his story. From his tumultuous marriages and the tragic loss of his daughter to his collaborations with Dionne Warwick and the surprising stories behind the songs that generations have come to know and love, Burt Bacharach offers a frank, moving account of an unparalleled life.

Over the past six decades, Burt Bacharach's legendary songwriting has touched millions of devoted listeners all over the world. In Anyone Who Had a Heart, Bacharach steps out from behind the music to give an honest, engaging look at his life—from his childhood in Forest Hills, New York, during the 1930s and 1940s to his rise as one of the most accomplished composers in modern popular music, working with Hal David, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, and many others.

While he soared professionally, Bacharach's private life was dominated by the never-ending search for love—and the heartbreak that comes when it is lost. His first three marriages ended in divorce. His long-running partnership with the late Hal David suffered a bitter split that lasted seventeen years. Throughout the highs and lows, Bacharach pursued his muse. Powerful and honest, Anyone Who Had a Heart illuminates the sensitivity and intelligence of a musical legend and offers a unique backstage look at the world of show business.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9780062206084

Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach (1928-2023) was one of the most accomplished popular composers and songwriters of the twentieth century. A classically trained pianist, his songs have been recorded by some of the most influential artists of all time. He wrote more than seventy Top 40 hits and received Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy awards for his work.

Reviews for Anyone Who Had a Heart

[kirstin21222 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an interesting life and a lasting legacy. Highly recommended.

[williammelden · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Ever since the days of such musical artists as Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmichael, there have been a plethora of very fine American songwriters, and of course everyone has their favorites. But in my lifetime, the two giants, who have truly delighted me and enriched the soundtrack of my life, have been Burt Bacharach (and his lyricist, Hal David) and Jimmy Webb, the greatest of them all. (I consider Bob Dylan a poet, more than a songwriter.) From my adolescence, when Bacharach was getting his start in the Brill Building with such singers as the great Dionne Warwick, his music has been a constant joy. I admired him.Until I read this book. His music will always soar, somewhere in the more shallow recesses of my heart, and still occupy a large part of my personal "playlist." But Bacharach the man, as described in this autobiography, is a scoundrel, an egomaniac, and a roué. It is not for me to list his shortcomings; he does that quite well himself, although he seems to view them as strengths. Even in the face of a personal tragedy which I will not describe, Bacharach was primarily devoted to sexual conquests and personal disloyalties. This book is testament to the sad fact that even the most talented people can be utterly wretched human beings. Hence, my rating.Not recommended.