Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 September 22, 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline, in Tyumen, Russia (or possibly Mogilev, Belarus), was an American composer and lyricist, one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history. Berlin got his start as a lyricist for other composers, and although he never learned how to play a piano or read music beyond a rudimentary level, he wrote over 3,000 songs. About half of Berlin's works became popular on Broadway and in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on American music and culture with hits such as "God Bless America", "White Christmas" and "There's No Business Like Show Business". Berlin produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores in addition to his individual songs.