Irving Berlin (1888–1989) 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. It is commonly believed that Berlin could not read sheet music, and was such a limited piano player that he could only play in the key of F-sharp unless using his custom piano equipped with a transposing lever.
Source: Wikipedia (via CC-BY-SA license) • READ: Works by Irving Berlin
The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in business. You’ve got to keep working that talent.
—Irving Berlin
Topics: Winning, Success & Failure, Strength, Success
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Duke Ellington American Musician
- Eugene O’Neill American Playwright
- Bob Hope British-born American Comedian, Film Actor
- Dolly Parton American Musician, Actress
- Arthur Rubinstein Polish-born American Composer
- B. B. King American Blues Musician
- Milton Friedman American Economist
- Ella Fitzgerald American Singer, Composer
- Ralph Lauren American Businessman
- Colin Powell American Military Leader