"Irving Berlin has no place in American music, he is American music." That loving statement, fellow composer Jerome Kern, paints a clear picture of the importance of Irving Berlin. Berlin's contribution to the American Songbook is invaluable. Classic songs like Alexander's Ragtime Band, There's No Business Showbusiness But, God Bless America, Puttin 'On The Ritz and White Christmas are all from his
… hand. Berlin was born in 1888 as Israel Baline in Tsarist Russia and came as a boy to New York where he initially sang in the street. Eventually he managed to get inside as potboiler in the 'songs factory' Tin Pan Alley. There he developed his unique style as an American folk composer, who drew his inspiration from a melting pot of jazz, folk songs and classical music. Berlin wrote both for Broadway and Hollywood. Because he is from penniless immigrant up to become a millionaire Berlin embodied ultimately handedly the American Dream. The composer reached the respectable age of 101 years.more
