IRVING BERLIN - MT history

What was Irving Berlin’s real name?

Israel Beilin

When and where was Berlin born?

Born in Russia, 1888

When did he immigrate to the U.S.?

As a child — settled in New York City’s Lower East Side

What was his childhood like?

Grew up poor in NYC; had little formal education or training

Could Irving Berlin read or write music?

No — he couldn’t read or write music and played piano only in one key (F♯ M

How did Berlin compose songs despite his musical limitations?

Used a transposing piano and dictated songs to assistants who wrote them down

What jobs did he have as a child?

Newsboy, song plugger, singing waiter

When did Berlin die, and at what age?

1989 at age 101

How many songs did Irving Berlin write?

Over 1,500 songs in a 60+ year career

What industries did Berlin write for?

Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and Hollywood

Name three stars Berlin worked with.

Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, Bing Crosby

What was Berlin’s role in Tin Pan Alley?

Early hit songwriter who helped define the Tin Pan Alley era

What made Berlin’s style unique?

Versatility — wrote in many genres (Broadway, jazz, patriotic, pop)

What are key traits of his songs?

Catchy melodies, clever lyrics, emotional accessibility

How did Berlin influence American music?

Helped shape the Great American Songbook

Did Berlin have a distinct musical style?

Not one consistent style, but he often used 32-bar song form

What was Berlin’s first big hit?

“Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (1911)

What WWI revue did he create?

Yip! Yip! Yaphank

Famous song from Yip! Yip! Yaphank?

“Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”

Name one of Berlin’s early musicals.

Watch Your Step (1914)

What song showcases Berlin’s use of counterpoint?

“Play a Simple Melody”

Name two romantic ballads by Berlin.

“Always” and “Remember”

What song did Berlin write for Fred Astaire in Top Hat (1935)?

“Cheek to Cheek”

Name Berlin’s introspective ballad.

“How Deep Is the Ocean”

What is one of the best-selling songs in history?

“White Christmas”

What patriotic anthem did Berlin write?

“God Bless America”

Famous Broadway anthem from Annie Get Your Gun?

“There’s No Business Like Show Business”

Name three other famous Berlin songs.

“Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade”

Name two musicals Berlin wrote.

Annie Get Your Gun (1946), This Is the Army (1942)

Name two films Berlin contributed music to.

Holiday Inn (1942), Top Hat (1935)

What theatre did Berlin help build?

The Music Box Theatre (1921)

What famous revue did he write for in 1919?

The Ziegfeld Follies (prohibition-themed)

How did Berlin support the U.S. during wartime?

Wrote patriotic songs and organized soldier shows in WWI & WWII

What was Berlin’s all-soldier WWII show?

This Is the Army

Where did the proceeds from This Is the Army go?

To the Boy and Girl Scouts of America

What was the origin of “God Bless America”?

Written during WWI, popularized in WWII

Which performer is most associated with Berlin’s songs?

Fred Astaire

What was Berlin’s approach to songwriting?

Simple, memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics

What did Berlin own that was unusual for songwriters?

His own music publishing company (he owned all his work)

What is Berlin’s legacy in American music?

What is Berlin’s legacy in American music?

What was the Music Box Theatre’s connection to Berlin?

He co-built it and premiered many of his shows there

What was Tin Pan Alley?

NYC hub for songwriting and publishing — where Berlin got his start

Birth name?

Israel Beilin

Born / Immigrated?

Born 1888 in Russia; immigrated to NYC as a child

First hit?

“Alexander’s Ragtime Band”

Best-selling song?

“White Christmas”

Patriotic anthem?

“God Bless America”

Only piano key he played in?

F♯ major (used transposing piano)

Major musicals?

Annie Get Your Gun, Holiday Inn

Death?

1989 at age 101