"I knew that I wanted the book to be more than a history book," he explained. "I wanted it to explain what it was like to be a young American soldier during World War II. So I had to search for the most exact and powerful way to express the emotions these young men felt. And so I did what is most natural for me ... I went to my piano and began composing."

He composed almost nonstop for four days, taking precious little time for things like eating or sleeping. The result is an emotional soundtrack that not only inspired the book, but captures its heart and soul.

In 2004, Sacco was honored by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Alabama for Where the Birds Never Sing and its musical soundtrack.