Irving Berlin: An American Song

Though he was born in 1888 in Russia, he came to be synonymous with the music of his adopted homeland. In a career that spanned half a century, he penned some of the most recognizable and enduring songs of all time.

Jerome Kern may have said it best: “Irving Berlin has no place in American music — he is American music.” Incredibly, the composer of classics like “Cheek to Cheek,” God Bless America” and “White Christmas” never learned to read music. But that didn’t stop an astonishing 35 of his compositions from reaching the number one spot on the charts. Filled with wonderful music, illuminating photos and rare clips from throughout his life, this is a fascinating portrait of the legendary composer. From his childhood on New York City’s Lower East Side to his hundredth birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall, we’ll trace the highs and lows of America’s greatest troubadour.

This BIOGRAPHY^® is more than the story of a man, it is the tale of half a century of American culture captured and crystallized in his inimitable creations.