Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin, originally named Israel Isidor Baline, was born on May 11, 1888, in Mogilev, Belarus, then part of the Russian Empire. He immigrated to the United States at the age of five, growing up in New York City where he received his initial musical training from his father, a cantor. Berlin's illustrious career in music began as a song-plugger for publisher Harry von Tilzer and included a stint as a singing waiter in Chinatown. By 1909, he became a staff lyricist for the Ted Snyder Company, and four years later, he entered into a partnership with the firm.

In 1910, Berlin expanded his reach into vaudeville, both in the U.S. and internationally, and made his Broadway debut alongside Snyder in "Up and Down Broadway." A charter member of ASCAP, he contributed to its formation and served on its first board from 1914 to 1918. During World War I, he served as a sergeant in the Army. Following the war, he launched his own public relations firm and, in 1921, co-founded the Music Box Theatre in New York, which he later owned outright.

Berlin's remarkable contributions to music include timeless classics such as "God Bless America," "White Christmas," and "Always." His all-soldier show "This Is the Army," which earned him the Medal for Merit, toured various theaters, and its proceeds supported military relief efforts. He received numerous accolades throughout his life, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and membership in the French Legion of Honor. Berlin's songs were performed by legends like Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. He passed away at 101 on September 22, 1989, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy in American music.