He would have turned 130 today. Happy birthday, Irving Berlin

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Hat tip, http://www.thisdayinmusic.com/:

May 11th: Born on this day

1888, Born on this day, American composer and lyricist, Irving Berlin who is widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. He was the composer of many pop, stage show and film hits. He emigrated from Siberia to New York as a child. He was the composer of ‘White Christmas’, 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and ‘Let’s Face The Music and Dance’. He died on September 22nd 1989 of a heart attack and natural causes, in New York City, at the age of 101.

Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin; 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, and had his first major international hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1911. He also was an owner of the Music Box Theatre on Broadway.

If you find that Trump is getting to you, watch this. It will put your mind at ease, if only for a while:

Follow the Fleet



original theatrical poster

Music by Irving Berlin, Max Steiner

Follow the Fleet (RKO) is a 1936 Hollywood musical comedy film with a nautical theme starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in their fifth collaboration as dance partners. It also features Randolph Scott, Harriet Hilliard, and Astrid Allwyn, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Lucille Ball and Betty Grable also appear, in supporting roles. The film was directed by Mark Sandrich with script by Allan Scott and Dwight Taylor based on the 1922 play Shore Leave by Hubert Osborne.

Follow the Fleet was extremely successful at the box office, and during 1936, Astaire's recorded versions of "Let Yourself Go", "I'm Putting all My Eggs in One Basket", and "Let's Face the Music and Dance" reached their highest positions of 3rd, 2nd, 3rd respectively in the US Hit Parade. Harriet Hilliard and Tony Martin made their screen debuts in this film. RKO borrowed Randolph Scott from Paramount and Astrid Allwyn from Fox for the production.

[msongs]

1. gee an illustrious career and dint use the F word once in his songs nt

[demosincebirth]

3. I agree. I've always said if you can't humm or whistle it, it ain't music.

[gratuitous]

2. What? Celebrating an immigrant who wasn't even born here?

Point out to your Trump-loving neighbor, friend or relative that it was Berlin who penned "God Bless America," and enjoy a little chuckle.

[demosincebirth]

4. They wouldn't know who Irvin Berlin was.

[smirkymonkey]

5. Happy Birthday Irving!

I'm a huge fan!

[appalachiablue]

6. Very nice tribute to a wonderful American and artist, thanks.

Composer Irving Berlin gave America great joy and beauty and much to be proud of culturally. A giant.