Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin;[2] May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) was an American composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His music forms a great part of the Great American Songbook. Born in Imperial Russia, Berlin arrived in the United States at the age of five. He published his first song, Marie from Sunny Italy, in 1907, receiving 33 cents for the publishing rights,[3] and had his first major international hit, Alexanders Ragtime Band in 1911. He also was an owner of the Music Box Theatre on Broadway.

Alexanders Ragtime Band sparked an international dance craze in places as far away as Berlins native Russia, which also flung itself into the ragtime beat with an abandon bordering on mania. Over the years he was known for writing music and lyrics in the American vernacular: uncomplicated, simple and direct, with his stated aim being to reach the heart of the average American, whom he saw as the real soul of the country.[4] In doing so, said Walter Cronkite, at Berlins 100th birthday tribute, he helped write the story of this country, capturing the best of who we are and the dreams that shape our lives.[5]

He wrote hundreds of songs, many becoming major hits, which made him a legend before he turned thirty. During his 60-year career he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including the scores for 20 original Broadway shows and 15 original Hollywood films,[2] with his songs nominated eight times for Academy Awards. Many songs became popular themes and anthems, including Easter Parade, White Christmas, Happy Holiday, This Is the Army, Mr. Jones, and Theres No Business Like Show Business. His Broadway musical and 1943 film, This is the Army,[6] with Ronald Reagan, had Kate Smith singing Berlins God Bless America which was first performed in 1938.[7]

Berlins songs have reached the top of the charts 25 times and have been extensively re-recorded by numerous singers including Eddie Fisher, Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman,