Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) is, without a doubt, the father of modern American music, and one of the most prolific composers of the early and mid twentieth century. His music has become an integral part of American musical culture. It is almost impossible for anyone alive to have not heard a song he wrote. His songs include "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Puttin' on the Ritz", "White Christmas", and "God Bless America".


 * An Immigrant's Tale: He was born in Russia, eventually came to the U.S. as a child.
 * Christmas Songs: "White Christmas" is one of the most famous examples, with a not-often heard first verse.
 * Dreaming of a White Christmas: Trope Namer.
 * Never Learned to Read Sheet Music : Can't read or write music.
 * Protest Song: "I'll See You in C-U-B-A" about Prohibition.
 * Qurac: One of his early hits was "Araby," and an example of Arabian Nights Days, giving his surname (Merely due to a typo on the sheet music, "Baline" came out as "Berlin."
 * The Roaring Twenties: Wrote songs that appeared in revues during this period.
 * The Great Depression: Irvin Berlin's most popular and remembered pieces are during this time.
 * In the Forties and The Fifties, he was still very famous and popular.
 * Tin Pan Alley: Wrote some of the best songs.