Jamie Bernstein - "Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein"

Author Jamie Bernstein describes life with her father, legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. By Congregation Shir Shalom of Ridgefield, CT with the Jewish Book Council and Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County.

[@valerieelvertondixon2494]

I was a little African-American girl in East St. Louis, Illinois, and I loved the young people's concerts. I have loved Leonard Bernstein like a beloved teacher my whole life, even now that I am an elder woman.

[@rexlex1736]

An introspective, sensitive family portrait by a superbly gifted daughter.

[@ArleneVideos]

Jamie Bernstein is a real credit to her father's memory. Very enjoyable video!!!

[@garfreed]

All his kids are.

[@susanshaver4848]

Wonderful lady, Wonderful interview...thank you for being so open and honest ❤😊

[@erpollock]

As she spoke, I remembered everything she said from my own life! Other than having Leonard Bernstein as a father. Then I looked her up - and it turns out we were both born in 1952, so she is my age, too! That's why I identified with everything she said about the period. She is delightful. Also touching and sad.

[@frogmouth]

Snap. I was born in 1951 and i identified with a lot of this despite being brought up in obscure Australian towns thousands of km from NY .

[@karenstanislaw8912]

(Catching this 4 years later, post having just seen "Maestro") Jamie, you're a mysteriously vibrant family, and you carry this vibrancy . Big, poignant resonance to this whole thing - music and arts and the personalities who are purer conduits. Wishing you and your siblings a rich 2024.

[@oscar646]

Absolutely fascinating. An extraordinary woman of extraordinary parentage. I’m so grateful to have found this.

[@stephenvincent4989]

Proud of her father and rightly so and how proud he would have been of her during this very personal rendition.

[@ferociousgumby]

Nobody is this articulate any more! Everyone needs cue cards and hums and haws, even so-called professional actors. She's a natural. I'd love to just sit and talk to her. Lenny was such a part of all our musical lives. And she's right on about the smoking - I was the youngest in my family and the only one who never smoked.

[@melodyelson3202]

bravo for all your shared words ... Thank you .. amazing to hear here insights shared ... seeing this for the first time...

[@Alfakkin]

❤

[@quaver1239]

I read Famous Father Girl when it first came out. Loved every moment of it, because it lights up the life of the family of the man who taught me all I still know about symphonies and concertos. We lived in a rural South African town that had little access to books and music (although it tried very hard), and then my dad bought me the recordings of Leonard Bernstein's teaching. I learnt an enormous amount from him during my 15th and 16th years, have always been grateful, and simply loved Leonard Bernstein. Famous Father Girl is worth reading at least twice!

[@phoebebennett1829]

Thank you Jamie for sharing this, your magic life with us!!

[@ginagold9840]

What a lovely lecture. I was blessed to sing "The Chichester Psalms" when I was a vocal student at the High School of Music and Art in New York City. To this day it is not only one of my favorite choral pieces but part of the fabric of my youth. Bernstein's music is so moving and inspired. I also loved hearing about Jamie's childhood growing up during that vibrant cultural period in New York. It was a magical time. Thanks for bringing me back.

[@geraldineclarke5434]

I got to shake his hand once - backstage at the Hollywood Bowl. I'll never forget it, The "Young People's Concerts" gave direction to my life.

[@erpollock]

Very glad she has mentioned how Bernstein revived interest in Mahler in the 60s. We'd never know Mahler's great symphonies and songs if not for Bernstein.

[@marieobrien6881]

Thank you Jamie for making us aware of Bernstein and Mahler great appreciation to you and siblings inspiring your lively story ho with your God may there be peace in the place we make our home❤ ❤❤❤❤

[@cor-z8m]

My love of the orchestra began with his children productions. Thanks to your dad.

[@robkeeleycomposer]

A lovely speech, thank you Jamie. I was privileged to have met and been encouraged by Lenny at Tanglewood in 1988 for his 70th birthday celebrations, when all the visiting young composers made dinner for him, followed by what is termed a bull session compered by the late Olly Knussen, during which we all played tapes of our recent pieces. One of the most, if not THE most memorable evening of my life. And at the end, after much Ballantines, he made the following comment: 'You're all all good composers, but you all take yourselves far too seriously'. Fabulous! And we heard him conduct 'Songfest' in the Shed - IMO LB's finest work from his later years, although I have a very spot spot for 'Arias and Barcarolles'.

[@megypsyhargrove7317]

Such a delight to listen to - Leonard Berstein, in my opinion, is the greatest conductor of our century and his writings are among the best ever written.

[@Marlene55M]

I second everything she tells about the 1960's and 1970's. Besides, I find her eloquent, intelligent, witty and funny and think I am in love. :) ♥ Besides, her father is one of my forever favorite composers and conductors.

[@SudamaniMuth]

Jamie Bernstein, you succeeded to be your own awesome personality despite a bigger than life dad. I love who you are.

[@Alfakkin]

What a mesmerising story she has to tell....thank you Jamie ❤

[@MrRichDavid]

I love Jamie..and her entire family….how lucky to be born into that!

[@juliabbott55]

She’s delightful! I’m 68 and her childhood memories resonated with me. I’m from a musical Jewish background. The “lullaby” of going to bed to the sound of the grownuos having fun and playing music was the same in our house.

[@pamgeddes5346]

I am enjoying this interview, I am interested in all things Bernstein, so am looking up such interviews from his "kids," adult children of course now. Jamie reminds me of a few people I know! Jamie gives a great history!

[@albertdiner]

First time i hear A LITTLE BIT IN LOVE. sounds so 1959s. Yet the showtunes from WEST SIDE STORY have kept their present relevance. My favorite Bernstein music are the overture and the songs from CANDIDE i find that Bernstein was genial back there in 1956. Thanks for the lecture .

[@Bailey2006a]

Absolutely delightful. Jamie is a master storyteller...Dad's genes quite evident!

[@hilaryapril7043]

Bailey you have taste up your tuchas...absolutely delightful? I found the early years of Jamie's life interesting...but the majority was tedious. LB was a musical genius but an obnoxious narcissist....interesting perhaps you like French kissing indiscriminately and violating people's personal space....LB was the liberal version of our previous President

[@erpollock]

The song "Take Care of This House" reminds me of John Adams's quote now carved in the State Dining Room in the White House: In a letter to Abigail - "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under This Roof." It was written his first night in the White House.

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

Hypocritical devils

[@albertdiner]

Pardon but the song performed at the end is Build This House With Wood from Bernstein’s PETER PAN

[@maryerb6062]

I was reading your book and was looking on KZbin for you singing. I am pleased I found this. The book is well worth your effort to share the Maestro's world with us. I am 70.

[@neskebeks]

Jamie is great storyteller! ✨👌🏾

[@michelekutner4229]

Jamie just finished watching Maestro ..it was fantastic...always loved your dad...love listening to you speak....❤

[@frankmorganti2043]

Amazing, beautiful, stunning. Thank you!

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

Smoking between meal courses YUCK but yes it all went on back in the day, going to night clubs and still reeking of tobacco the next day.....pubs with thick black smoke that you could cut with a knife, not anymore and have given up smoking for over a decade thank God! Thank-you Jamie for this very open hearted memory of life Bernstein Shalom!

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

How wonderful! We all would have loved Leonard Bernstein as our father! Just marvelous !

[@PatriciaGoodsonpianist]

What a delightful speaker. I wonder if she is aware of that the opening of “Somewhere” is a quote from the Adagio movement of Beethoven’s “Emperor“ concerto. I seem to recall that Bernstein was quite open about this, and it was a token of his love for Beethoven.

[@jackienaiditch7965]

What a wonderful, articulate speaker. Thoroughly enjoyed this more well-rounded account of life with her father than was presented in "Maestro."

[@reinaschlager3955]

She just spoke at our Temple in Ft Myers and she was very entertained and provided great insight into a great man. 🎶🤗

[@alexandracolmant9983]

What a delightful presentation! Thank you.

[@alvildasophiaanaya-alegria8419]

Why is it not mentioned that he was born and began learning piano in Lawrence, Massachusetts before tanglewood in Lee, Massachusetts

[@sophiaw.7356]

Love this. She has an European character just like her dad. Not USA at all. The public does not laugh in the moments they should have. I did!! I am born in 1952 like Jamie Bernstein. Great year!! I am a HUGE fan of the music of the West Side Story. Not the movie itself. The music is genius,

[@lyolevrich]

Brava Jamie👏

[@robertthomson2159]

I wonder how she feels about her portrayal in "Maestro".

[@user-fw7si1tz3o]

Absolutely wonderful.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Oh god, i had a jumper like hers in a different shade! I wore it all the time, cadged it off my sister! Ha ha ha heh heh! Bernstein kids were fantastic! Love their stories. Our family love music musicals films shows.

[@MsLamotta]

Just saw this video. Watched Maestro the other night. It was disappointing. I gave it 3 stars on Rotten Tomatoes and I was being kind. The other reviewers were brutal. Most were 1 star reviews. A lot turned it off after 30 minutes. Why they concentrated on his relationship with his wife, I’m not sure. And? They did not do it in a good way. It was flat, boring, and all over the place. I almost turned off, but being the film buff that I am and growing up with Bernstein, I stuck with it. It would have been a much better movie to have concentrated on Bernstein’s music, how he started, his collaborations, his Young Peoples concerts and hearing more of his music. And the influence he had. It was nice to reminisce hearing her bc I’m the same age. And went through the same things. What a thrill to have had a dad like him…to a certain point. As far as his activism. Nothing wrong with it. I came from a highly intellectual German Jewish first generation family. Holocaust survivors. Also raised in NYC. There was always heavy duty discussions in the house with all their friends, who were also German Jews. They were very cultural. So I was dragged to the opera. The Philharmonic. My parents were supporters of the civil rights movement, etc. I grew up in that era. BUT! My parents taught me it is very dangerous to go too far to the Left and too far to the Right. I’m afraid Lenny and his wife went too far to the Left and that is why the FBI was tailing him. There is always two sides to the story. In the 60’s, a professor by the name of Herbert Marcuse was teaching at U of Berkeley. He was a protege of The Frankfurt School that had come out of Frankfurt,Germany after WW1. German Jew Marxists. When they learned Hitler’s was gaining power they ended up at Columbia U. In any event Marcuse was teaching their philosophy at Berkeley and took Angela Davis under his wing. She in turn co founded The Black Panthers with Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, who were rapists and murders. But hid under it by saying they were activists and fighting racism. In turn they hob nobbed with very rich liberals like the Bernsteins. It is a known fact that the Black Panthers funded the Arab Nations during the 1967 Israeli War. So Leonard Bernstein, a Jew gave thousands of dollars to these thugs. Hung out with them at mansions in Beverly Hills, all the while behind his back they laughed at him. And? His wife had a fund raiser for Bobby and Huey for bail to get them out of jail. And his daughter wonders why the FBI was on their list? Today? The FBI does the opposite. I won’t go there. But you can Google what I hv posted. It’s all true. I don’t plagiarize:)

[@marcelouz1]

Simply wonderful from the beginning to the end

[@jefolson6989]

Not how I pictured Lennys daughter. But fascinating.

[@MsLamotta]

I hear you. And I’m her age.

[@nhojd7]

Thank you :)

[@alvildasophiaanaya-alegria8419]

I wonder if his mother had a beauty salon business in Lawrence, Massachusetts during those first 7 years, and if father worked at the Lawrence, Massachusetts Textile Mills to make his money.

[@richardthelionheart5594]

Thank you. That was wonderful

[@riverebec1]

What a natural easy-going storyteller she is.

[@feliciapalumbo9688]

Isn’t this woman wonderful! So charismatic like her dad! Funny and interesting

[@jean-jacqueskaselorganreco6879]

wonderfully dynamic conference video about LB, but I am really in trouble about this elderly singer...was there no other choice?

[@mirfir]

Will be reading your book

[@kentasbury3531]

Sadly. How much longer could he have lived if he had never smoked.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

Kent Asbury Stop It.... He had all sorts of health issues all his life Asthma kept him out of the army, sinus problems, deppression , etc and he went for it living life to the full, far more than most healthy people could imagine,so therefore he probably had two or three lifetimes packed into one.Stop moaning about the smoking "What if" HE LIVED.

[@TimothyJonSarris]

It certainly contributed to the shortening of a prolific life.

[@quaver1239]

He enjoyed his smoking. Leave him be!

[@TimothyJonSarris]

@@quaver1239 he’s free now, don’t worry

[@maestroclassico5801]

Lenny and Felicia, if neither smoked, might've been with us much longer. She passed of cancer and him mostly of emphysema.

[@catherinejackson6571]

Did Jamie Bernstein sing endless love&appear in the movie endless love?

[@highbaritone]

Tried to find an audio of her book. Can't find it.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Felicia n Lenny lovely sexy couple talented, they had themost charisma most of em had back in the day. Ha ha! Just fab ❤❤❤ the pair of em!!!

[@keikonemeth2467]

My love to the true American saint, who was also so richly human.

[@JshMusician]

I wish Bradley Cooper chose her book to do a movie on.

[@juliepardo7767]

I do too. I didn't hate the movie, but I didn't really like it either, a little disappointing actually. Not knowing anything about his personal life, I found the dialogue in the movie challenging to follow. The story line was very similar to the movie Delovely about Cole and Linda Porter. I'm glad I found this video of Jamie Berstein's lecture.

[@mirfir]

BC spoke extensively with his children

[@laurabergang]

WHY IS THERE NO SOUND WITH THIS VIDEO???

[@goldbrick2563]

Leonard sounds like he was a great father

[@goldbrick2563]

35:09 had no idea about the young peoples concerts or his social activism. Just watched the 'maestro' film, doesnt tell much about his life except that he was gay and struggled in the marriage. It'd be nice to have a fuller picture of the man and the era. Someone should do another film, something more celebratory of the music and era, something more triumphant.

[@allisonlew4508]

She looks so much like her Dad.

[@SYLVIAMBARNES]

Not a bit! And HE'S sexy too. VERY!

[@howardleekilby7390]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dreyfalex]

Bradley Cooper should have listened to her about her father, as she describes her father’s excitement about teaching. It is the excitement of a born teacher, not of a wide-eyed little boy.

[@59Drauz]

Cooper consulted with the Bernsteins’ children and became good friends. He spent Thanksgiving 2023 with them.

[@erpollock]

I wonder how Jamie Bernstein advises her daughters as to personal fulfillment. Midge Decter was the only writer of that era who advised against feminist dogma!

[@GiuseppeSavazzi]

Sairam Prof. Giuseppe Savazzi head of the WORLDWIDE CIA SAIRAM secret services in India member of Rotary Club of New York District 7230 blessing to all of you from India 🇮🇳 Music Director and Founder of the Sathya Sai Universal Symphony Orchestra in Putthaparty Founder and music Director of the Rotary Youth International Orchestra with Lufthansa Sponsor since 1990. in šāʾ Allāh إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ Sairam 🙏🇮🇳❤️🙏