The Dean of American Songwriters

Irving Berlin (1888-1989)

Born Israel Baline, Irving Berlin, the son of a cantor, is considered among America's most cherished and influential musicians. He began performing in a street café in New York City at age eight and published his first song at age eighteen. In the publication, Baline's name was misprinted as Irving Berlin-he kept that name throughout his career.Primarily a lyricist, Berlin never learned to play the piano. In 1911, he produced his first hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," and it sold millions of copies within months of its debut. The first Broadway musical for which he wrote lyrics was Watch Your Step in 1914. During World War I, Berlin wrote the melody for his most well known song, "God Bless America." It was not published until 1939. Berlin wrote many patriotic songs during World War II and donated all of the profits - over ten million dollars - to various war relief funds and Jewish charities. In 1949, the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA) honored him as one of "twelve outstanding Americans of the Jewish faith." Berlin secured his place in American culture with some of his most famous songs, including "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better," "Annie Get Your Gun," "There's No Business Like Show Business," and, most famously, "White Christmas."