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."

Trivia

• Berlin was the only person to ever find his own name on the winners' envelope at the Oscars, winning the award for best music in an original song for the song White Christmas in the film Holiday Inn in 1943. Bing Crosby's single of that song sold more than 30 million copies. He was nominated for six others during his career.

In spite of his musical career, Berlin never learned how to play a piano or read music beyond a rudimentary level. He owned a special piano that mechanically transposed keys and an assistant wrote out the music scores.

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