Irving Berlin Biography

Fast Facts

• Father was a cantor; the family emigrated to the United States in 1893
• The family's last name in Russia was Beilin; it was changed to Baline at Ellis Island
• His first hit ballad was called "When I Lost You," which he wrote after the death of his first wife, who died of typhoid contracted on their honeymoon
• Drafted into the army at the age of 30 during World War I, he worked writing patriotic songs
• One of the founders of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
• Never learned to read and write music; had a special piano made that changed keys with a lever and had someone else transcribe his songs
• Had proceeds from the royalties of "God Bless America" donated to the Boys and Girl Scouts of America