Quck answer
Irving Berlin was a highly influential American composer and lyricist. He is best known for writing popular songs such as “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Born in Russia in 1888, Berlin immigrated to the United States as a child. Despite his lack of formal musical training, he went on to become one of the most successful songwriters of his time. Berlin’s music captured the spirit of American culture and resonated with audiences of all backgrounds. His contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated and his songs remain timeless classics.
I’m dreaming of a White Christmas / Just like the ones I used to know . . .
It’s difficult to imagine Christmas without hearing the song “White Christmas.” In fact, “White Christmas” holds the record for being the best-selling single of all time! Have you ever wondered about the person who wrote this song? Well, it was Irving Berlin, a songwriter who was so famous that it was said that he “is American music.” But interestingly, this man who wrote the most popular Christmas song ever, the anthem “God Bless America,” and many other well-known songs, was once a poor Jewish refugee from Russia.
Israel Baline, who later changed his name to Irving Berlin, was born in Russia in 1888. During that time, Russia was a dangerous place for Jewish people to live. When Israel was young, his family’s village was burned down. His parents decided to leave Russia and find a safer place to live. When he was 5 years old, they immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City.
His family was extremely poor, and when Israel was just 13 years old, his father passed away. He started working and discovered that he could earn money by singing on street corners. Later on, he became a singing waiter and in 1907, at the age of 19, he published his first song called “Marie from Sunny Italy.” After that, he changed his name to Irving Berlin. Many Jewish people in the U.S. changed their names to avoid facing anti-Semitism in their lives and careers.
Despite not being able to read or write musical notation, Irving Berlin continued to write lyrics. He didn’t let that stop him. In 1911, he published a song that would make him famous worldwide – “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Ragtime was a popular genre of music at the time. By the end of the 1910s, Berlin had written dozens of songs.
In 1912, Berlin got married. Unfortunately, his wife passed away a few months later. He expressed his grief through songs like “When I Lost You.” Eventually, he remarried in 1925 and had four children. By this time, he had written numerous songs and had also written musicals for the stage. In the late 1920s, he started writing songs for movies. Some of his most famous movies featured dancers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, as well as well-known singers of that era such as Ethel Merman and Bing Crosby.
In 1918, while serving in the Army during World War I, Berlin wrote a song called “God Bless America.” He decided not to publish it at that time, but saved it for later. Just before World War II, he felt that the time was right for his song to be heard. He gave the song to the famous singer Kate Smith, and it became a huge success. It is still considered an unofficial anthem of the United States and is often sung at sporting events or other special occasions. By that time, Berlin was very successful. He donated all the proceeds from “God Bless America” to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. To this day, these organizations continue to benefit from his donation every time the song is used!
Just two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Berlin’s most popular song, “White Christmas,” was released in December 1941. Bing Crosby performed the song, which gained even more recognition when it was featured in the movies “Holiday Inn” in 1942 and “White Christmas” in 1954. It has remained incredibly popular and holds the record as the best-selling song of all time.
Berlin continued to write music and composed over 1,500 songs in his lifetime. He wrote songs for the successful musical “Annie Get Your Gun” in 1946. Despite not having proper musical training, Berlin devised a special piano with moving keys that allowed him to play without the difficulty of starting a song in a different key. He continued to write music until the 1960s and passed away in 1989 at the age of 101 in New York City, his beloved “land that I love.”
Irving Berlin’s songs have been performed by numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Willie Nelson, and Seth MacFarlane. Listen to his songs and determine which one is your favorite!
Give it a Try
Let’s prepare to “face the music and dance”!
- “God Bless America,” one of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs, was written during World War I and gained popularity just before World War II. You can learn more about the song’s history here. Many songs, from patriotic tunes to protest music, originate from times of conflict. With adult assistance, research more about this topic using the internet or your local library. Then, select a song and explain to a friend how it relates to a particular conflict.
- In movies, renowned dancers like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen danced to Irving Berlin’s music. You can even hear one of Berlin’s songs in the animated movie “Sing.” Do you have any favorite songs to dance to? Create a dance routine to one of Berlin’s songs or a song you enjoy. Share your dance with friends or family!
- Due to religious persecution, Irving Berlin had to leave his home in Russia and arrived in the United States at the age of five. Put yourself in Irving’s shoes, imagining you are a young refugee in a new country. How would you feel? Write an imaginary diary entry from the perspective of young Irving or a modern-day child. Resources such as this video can assist you in learning more. Share your writing with a friend or family member.
References
https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 19 May, 2023)
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Berlin (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-single (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
https://www.biography.com/musicians/irving-berlin (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2020/09/17/jewish-name-change-20th-century-new-york-history/ideas/essay/ (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1978/05/07/irving-berlin-is-american-music/b99c7015-6953-47a0-95ca-aef865db1359/ (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
FAQ
1. Who was Irving Berlin?
Irving Berlin was an American composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. He was born in 1888 in Russia and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of five. Berlin’s career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote numerous popular songs and musicals.
2. What are some of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs?
Some of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs include “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” These songs have become timeless classics and are still widely recognized and performed today.
3. How did Irving Berlin contribute to the music industry?
Irving Berlin made significant contributions to the music industry by revolutionizing the American popular song. He introduced new styles and techniques, such as incorporating jazz and ragtime influences into his compositions. Berlin’s songs were known for their catchy melodies and poignant lyrics, which resonated with the American public.
4. Did Irving Berlin write music for Broadway?
Yes, Irving Berlin wrote music for Broadway. He composed scores for several successful musicals, including “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Call Me Madam.” His musicals were known for their memorable songs and entertaining performances.
5. What is Irving Berlin’s legacy?
Irving Berlin’s legacy is that of a musical genius who left an indelible mark on American music. His songs have become part of the cultural fabric, and his contributions to the music industry have influenced generations of songwriters. Berlin’s timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by people around the world.
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