Irving Berlin ???? The Quintessence of American Music

???? Irving Berlin, one of the most prolific and influential American songwriters of the 20th century. His life and music encapsulate the American dream, as he rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in the world of music.

Berlin was born Israel Beilin on May 11, 1888, in the Russian Empire. His family fled to the United States in 1893 to escape anti-Jewish pogroms. They settled in New York City's Lower East Side, a melting pot of immigrants and cultures. Berlin's father, a cantor, died when he was young, and he left school at 13 to help support his family. He worked various jobs, including as a street singer, which exposed him to a range of music and cultures that influenced his later work.

Berlin's music career began when he started working as a singing waiter in Chinatown. He taught himself piano and started composing songs, many of which were first performed at the restaurants where he worked. His first major hit was Alexander's Ragtime Band in 1911. The song was a massive success and catapulted him to fame. It was one of the first songs to sell over a million copies of sheet music.

"God Bless America" (1918): Originally written for a World War One revue, it was revised in 1938 and became an unofficial national anthem during times of crisis.

"White Christmas" (1942): Part of the soundtrack for the movie "Holiday Inn," this song became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

"There's No Business Like Show Business" (1946): From the musical "Annie Get Your Gun," it became an anthem for the entertainment industry.

Broadway Musicals: Berlin wrote the scores for several Broadway shows, including "Annie Get Your Gun" (1946) and "Call Me Madam" (1950).

Berlin was known for his ability to write songs that were simple yet profoundly resonant. He could capture the American spirit in a way few others could. Despite having minimal formal music training and only being able to play the piano in one key (he used a custom piano with a lever to change keys), he composed over 1,500 songs.

His work touched on various themes, including patriotism, love, and the everyday experiences of American life.

He had a unique ability to blend the different sounds and rhythms he encountered in New York, from jazz and blues to classical and Tin Pan Alley.

Berlin married Dorothy Goetz in 1912, but she tragically died of typhoid fever just months after their wedding. He remarried in 1926 to Ellin Mackay, with whom he had three daughters. Berlin lived to the age of 101, passing away on September 22, 1989.

Irving Berlin's impact on American music is immeasurable. He wrote some of the most enduring songs of the 20th century, which continue to be celebrated and performed around the world. His ability to encapsulate the American experience in song was unparalleled, making him a beloved figure whose music transcends time.

As George Gershwin once said, "Irving Berlin has no place in American music — he is American music." His legacy lives on, not just in his music but in the very fabric of American culture and identity.

???? Thank you for watching, and we invite you to watch other videos about music and theater here on Conrad Askland's channel.

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Video Background Music: Americana Piano © 2016 Conrad Askland
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Here you’ll find original music, songs, and musical theater shows by Conrad Askland.
➡️ He is a Seattle-based composer, songwriter, music producer, music technologist, music director, and keyboardist.
Music styles include orchestral, hip hop, classical, techno, parody, comedy, soundtracks and new works for the stage ????

Conrad Askland's credits as musical director and conductor include the Cirque du Soleil world tour of Varekai and Cirque’s resident ZAIA show in Macau China.
➡️ As a performer he has worked with Seattle Opera, Grand ‘Ol Opry, the American Latin Music Awards, Knott’s Berry Farm, and was also long time touring keyboardist for Grammy Winner Freddy Fender of the Texas Tornados ????

He has composed the full-length musicals Romeo and Juliet, Witches, Pray the Gay Away® and PAN.
➡️ Conrad has a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Berklee College of Music, Professional Certification in Ableton Live, and a Master's degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Development from Colorado State University ????

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