Happy Birthday, Irving Berlin!

Irving Berlin was born May 11, 1888 in the Russian Empire, although the exact location is unknown. It seems a fitting way to begin a description of Berlin — his birth city is unknown, his name was changed several times during his immigration process, his father passed away by age thirteen, his daily wage an unpredictable amount of pennies. No one on the Lower East Side could have guessed the little Jewish boy who delivered their newspapers was bound to write nearly 1,500 songs — songs that Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald would someday sing! Some of his best-known songs include “God Bless America,” “White Christmas,” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” There are far too many familiar, well-loved songs to list here. Irving Berlin’s songs — and his story! — are the essence of America.

Image Source: irvingberlin.com