Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (1888–1989) was a Russian-born American songwriter, widely regarded as one of the greatest in history. Born Israel Beilin in Belarus, he immigrated to the U.S. as a child, growing up in New York City. With little formal education, Berlin was largely self-taught in music, relying on his natural ear for melody.

He composed over 1,500 songs, including timeless standards like "White Christmas," "God Bless America," "Puttin' on the Ritz," and "There's No Business Like Show Business." His work spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and popular music, shaping American culture through the early 20th century. Berlin wrote both lyrics and music, a rarity among songwriters, and his songs were performed by stars like Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Ethel Merman.

His Broadway shows, such as Annie Get Your Gun (1946), and film scores, including Holiday Inn (1942), were massive successes. "White Christmas," from Holiday Inn, became one of the best-selling singles ever. Berlin’s patriotic "God Bless America," written in 1918 and revised in 1938, remains an unofficial anthem.

Despite his success, Berlin was known for his modesty and anxiety about his work. He never learned to read music proficiently, often using a transposing piano to compose. His publishing company, Irving Berlin Music Company, gave him control over his catalog, and he earned millions, though he donated much to charity, including royalties from "God Bless America" to the Boy and Girl Scouts.

Berlin’s personal life included two marriages; his second, to Ellin Mackay in 1926, was a high-profile scandal due to religious differences. He had four children and lived to 101, dying in New York. His legacy endures through his vast, versatile catalog, blending ragtime, ballads, and patriotic themes, capturing the American spirit.

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