Composer and lyricist Bart Howard, a Burlington native, left an indelible mark on popular music with a career that spanned decades and culminated in one of the most recorded songs of the twentieth century. His work continues to connect Burlington to the broader story of American music history.
Born Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Bart Howard showed an early affinity for music. He studied piano and voice and developed a keen understanding of melody and lyrics at a young age. Like many musicians of his generation, eventually relocated to New York, where he immersed himself in the worlds of cabaret, Broadway, and popular songwriting. His talent quickly earned him a place among professional accompanists and composers, even as he worked behind the scenes to refine his own voice as a songwriter.
Howard’s career took shape during a transformative era in American music. He worked as a pianist and vocal coach for prominent performers, including Mabel Mercer, one of the most influential cabaret singers of the mid-twentieth century. Through these collaborations, Howard honed his ability to write songs that balanced emotional intimacy with melodic sophistication. His compositions were never flashy for their own sake; instead, they were built to serve the singer and the story, a quality that would become a defining feature of his work.
In 1954, Bart Howard wrote the song that would secure his place in music history: “Fly Me to the Moon.” Originally titled “In Other Words,” the song debuted in cabaret settings before gradually gaining broader recognition. Its elegant melody and poetic lyrics struck a chord with performers and audiences alike, and it soon became a standard. Over the years, the song has been recorded by countless artists, but it is most famously associated with Frank Sinatra, whose version helped cement its iconic status.
“Fly Me to the Moon” achieved a rare distinction when it became closely associated with the American space program. Sinatra’s recording was carried aboard Apollo missions, and the song was played during the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. In that moment, Howard’s lyrics transcended the world of music and became part of a defining chapter in global history. Few songs can claim such a direct connection to humanity’s exploration beyond Earth, and fewer still originated in a small Midwestern river town.
Despite the international success of his signature song, Bart Howard never stopped writing. His catalog includes dozens of compositions that reflect his love of cabaret and classic American songwriting. These works have been performed by celebrated artists and continue to be rediscovered by singers drawn to their craftsmanship and emotional clarity. Howard’s career stands as a testament to persistence; he achieved his greatest success later in life, proving that creative breakthroughs do not always follow predictable timelines.
Howard remained connected to his roots, and Burlington has embraced his legacy with pride. Today, visitors can experience that connection firsthand at the Bart Howard Lounge, located within the Des Moines County Heritage Museum. The lounge honors Howard’s life and work while placing his story in the broader context of Burlington’s cultural history. It serves as a reminder that remarkable creative achievements can emerge from communities of any size, shaped by local experiences and carried outward to the world.
Bart Howard passed away in 2004 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy defined by elegance and timeless songwriting. His work continues to be performed on stages large and small, from jazz clubs to concert halls, and his most famous song remains a staple of the Great American Songbook. For Burlington, his legacy is both a point of pride and an invitation: to explore the creative stories rooted in the community.
From Burlington’s riverfront to the surface of the moon, Bart Howard’s music reminds us that inspiration knows no geographic limits, and that even the most far-reaching journeys can begin at home.
