Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline, in Tyumen, Siberia (or Mahilyow (Mogilev), Belarus), was an American composer and lyricist, one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history. Although he never learned how to play a piano or read music beyond a rudimentary level, he wrote over 1,000 songs that became popular on Broadway and in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on American music and culture with hits such as "God Bless America", and "White Christmas."

Early Life

Born Israel Isidore Baline, in Tyumen, Siberia (or Mahilyow (Mogilev), Belarus ?), to a Jewish family, he emigrated to the United States in 1893. His parents were Lena Jarchin and Moses Baline, who was a rabbi and obtained work certifying kosher meat.http://www.nydailynews.com/city_life/big_town/v-bigtown_archive/story/209553p-180590c.html Following the death of his father in 1896, Irving found himself having to work to survive. He did various street jobs including selling newspapers and busking. The harsh economic reality of having to work or starve was to have a lasting effect on the way Berlin treated money.

Related Topics:
Tyumen - Siberia - Mahilyow - Belarus - Jewish - United States - 1893 - Rabbi - Kosher - 1896 - Busking

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