Irving Berlin

Date of Birth: May 11, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 22, 1989

Biography

Irving Berlin, born Israel Beilin, was a Russian-American composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Born on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russian Empire, Berlin immigrated to the United States with his family in 1893 to escape religious persecution. Settling in New York City’s Lower East Side, Berlin’s musical career began in his teens, singing for pennies on street corners. Berlin’s breakthrough came with his 1911 hit “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” which helped popularize ragtime music. Over the years, he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including iconic hits like “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” His work spanned both the Broadway stage and Hollywood films, contributing significantly to the American songbook. Berlin was a self-taught musician who could only play in the key of F-sharp major and relied on a special transposing piano to change keys. Despite his lack of formal training, his natural talent and innovative compositions earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for “White Christmas.” Irving Berlin passed away on September 22, 1989, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire musicians and songwriters worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Irving Berlin

1. Irving Berlin wrote the patriotic anthem “God Bless America,” which has become a second national anthem of sorts in the United States.

2. He could only play the piano in one key (F-sharp major) and used a special transposing piano to play in other keys.

3. Berlin was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1954 for his contributions to American music.

4. His song “White Christmas” is the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies worldwide.

5. Berlin never learned to read or write musical notation; he hired musical secretaries to transcribe his compositions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irving Berlin

1. “The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.”

2. “Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.”

3. “Talent is only the starting point.”

4. “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

5. “There is an element of truth in every idea that lasts long enough to be called corny.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Irving Berlin’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, which is roughly equivalent to $100 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Irving Berlin had four children with his wife, Ellin Mackay: 1. Mary Ellin Barrett (born November 25, 1926) – a writer. 2. Linda Louise Berlin Emmet (born October 24, 1932) – has written about her father’s life and work. 3. Elizabeth Irving Berlin (born February 20, 1936) – she passed away in 2006. 4. Irving Berlin Jr. – died in infancy on Christmas Day in 1928.