Summary of Burt Bacharach & Robert Greenfield's Anyone Who Had a Heart

By IRB Media

Get the Summary of Burt Bacharach & Robert Greenfield's Anyone Who Had a Heart in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Anyone Who Had a Heart" is the memoir of Burt Bacharach, detailing his life from his early years to his rise as a legendary composer and songwriter. The book delves into Bacharach's formative experiences, including his family's background, his struggles with fitting in due to his Jewish heritage, and his early passion for music. It chronicles his encounters with influential figures like Leonard Bernstein, his military service, and his initial forays into the music industry...

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Mar 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330019458

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Summary of Burt Bacharach & Robert Greenfield's Anyone Who Had a Heart

Overview

Anyone Who Had a Heart is the memoir of Burt Bacharach, detailing his life from his early years to his rise as a legendary composer and songwriter. The book delves into Bacharach's formative experiences, including his family's background, his struggles with fitting in due to his Jewish heritage, and his early passion for music. It chronicles his encounters with influential figures like Leonard Bernstein, his military service, and his initial forays into the music industry. Bacharach's personal life is candidly portrayed, including his marriages, relationships, and the challenges faced by his daughter Nikki, who struggled with Asperger's syndrome. The memoir also explores his professional partnerships, particularly with lyricist Hal David, and his collaborations with a wide array of artists, leading to timeless hits and multiple awards. Bacharach's story is one of artistic triumphs, personal trials, and the relentless pursuit of musical perfection, set against the backdrop of a changing American cultural landscape.

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Melodies and Memories

Burt Bacharach, affectionately known as Happy by his family, was born on May 12, 1928, in Kansas City. His father, Bert, worked in the men's clothing industry, and the family later settled in Forest Hills, Queens, where Burt spent his formative years. Despite their Jewish heritage, the family did not actively practice Judaism, which led Burt to feel it was something to be concealed, especially during his youth when he struggled to fit in with his predominantly Catholic peers.

Burt's mother hailed from Atlantic City and came from a family that had lost its wealth during the stock market crash. Her father, Abe Freeman, had to step down from his synagogue, which influenced the family's detachment from their Jewish roots. Burt's mother had a strong sense of style and artistry, which was evident in the family's beautifully decorated apartment in Forest Hills.

Burt's father, a gentle man, became a well-known newspaper columnist and media personality, hosting radio and TV shows. He was also well-connected in the restaurant scene, often dining out without the need to pay. Burt admired his father's achievements, including his service in World War I and his varied career, which included working in retail and starting a trade paper.

During World War II, Burt's father contributed to the war effort as a civilian consultant and by selling war bonds. Burt recalls learning about the bombing of Pearl Harbor while attending a football game. Despite his father's work providing some shield from the hardships of the Depression, the family never felt wealthy.

Burt's journey into music was not without its struggles. His mother's natural talent for playing piano by ear contrasted with his own laborious lessons and practice. He had an unlikely encounter with Leonard Bernstein on a bus, a story that Bernstein later denied, adding to its mystique. Burt's time at the Tanglewood Music Center was a mix of uncomfortable encounters and a reconnection with Bernstein.

Visits to relatives in Philadelphia were a highlight for Burt, who enjoyed the camaraderie with his cousins. The return trips were somber, with classical music on the radio, mirroring his feelings of loneliness and isolation back in Forest Hills.

From a young age, Burt was instilled with the importance of getting enough sleep, which led to a lifelong struggle with insomnia and a reliance on sleeping pills. His