Irving Berlin

American composer and lyricist (1888–1989)

Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989), born Israel Baline in Imperial Russia, was a Jewish-American songwriter.[1]

Irving Berlin
Berlin in 1948
Berlin in 1948
Background information
Birth nameIsrael Isidore Baline (Beilin)
BornMay 11, 1888
probably Mogilev, Russia (now Belarus)
DiedSeptember 22, 1989 (aged 101)
New York City, New York, United States
GenresBroadway musicals, revues, show tunes
Occupation(s)Songwriter, composer, lyricist
Years active1907 – 1962
Alexander's Ragtime Band, Edison Amberol cylinder, 1911

Selected works

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Berlin's first popular success was "Alexander's Ragtime Band."[1]

In 1938, Kate Smith made "God Bless America" a popular hit.[1]

In 1942, Berlin won the Academy Award for the best original song in the movie "Holiday Inn". The song was "White Christmas.".[1] Bing Crosby recorded the song. This became "the best-selling record of all time."[2]

Broadway musicals written by Berlin included "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Call me Madam."[1]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Barol, Bill. "Irving Berlin: 1888-1989," Newsweek. October 2, 1989, p. 75; retrieved 2011-12-29.
  2. Harris, Roy J. "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," Wall Street Journal. December 11, 2009; retrieved 2011-12-29.

Other websites

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