IRVING BERLIN

BACKGROUND

• Irving Berlin was born May 11,1888 in Temum Russia.
• Died September 22,1989.
• His birth given name was Israel Baline.
• He was Jewish and supported Jewish charities.
• Couldn't read music and only was able to play in 1 key.
• Became U.S Citizen in 1918 and joined the army.

AMERICAN DREAM

• Irving Berlin's American Dream, was to become a citizen of the U.S as well as become a well known musician and singer.

HOW DID HE ACHIEVE?

• Israel started as a beggar, singing for money.
• He landed a job at a cafe where he wrote his first song "Marie from Sunny Italy", which was an instant success.
• In 1909 Irving caught the attention of a music producer that hired Him on to write songs; he made $25 an hour, this is where he published the song responsible for his fame, "Ragtime Band".

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Throughout the whole span of his life, Irving Berlin composed 1,000 songs, 19 musicals, and scores for 18 movies.
• Most popular songs would be, "God Bless America", "White Christmas", and "Blue Skies".
• His military awards include a Merit from president Truman, a Congressional Gold Medal for "God Bless America from President Eisen Hower, and the Freedom Medal from president Ford.