Twenty-five years ago on September 22, perhaps the greatest songwriter in American history passed away. Irving Berlin was 101 years old, and between the time of his birth in what is now Russia and his death in New York City, he wrote more than 1,500 songs and composed nearly 40 scores.
He wasn't just prolific—he was culture-shaking. If you think our tribute as perhaps the greatest songwriter in American history was a clichéd tribute, take George Gershwin's word for it: "the greatest songwriter who has ever lived."
Historians have often referred to "The Great American Songbook," a theoretical compilation of American music that has embedded itself so deeply into culture that the composers of the songs rarely receive recognition for it. No writer is more involved with this collection than Berlin.
There are books upon books detailing the discography of Mr. Berlin but Music Times has narrowed his legacy into six works, many that you may already recognize. All are worth a revisiting, whether that involves the original performers or modern recreations. Just know that Berlin stands tall over all of them.
"Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1911)
Berlin was far from the inventor of ragtime. It had been more than 12 years after Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" but the truly American music form didn't take off in Europe until Berlin's hit "Alexander's Ragtime Band" reached its shores, marking one of the first times in history that Americans influenced popular music the world over (it should be noted that Berlin may have borrowed a melody from Joplin, one of the true originators of what we now consider "popular music"). The song has been recorded by everyone from Louis Armstrong to Liberace, with many more renditions in between. A film musical by the same name would emerge during 1938.
Puttin' On The Ritz (1929)
The first unveiling of famous standard "Puttin' On The Ritz" came in 1930 during the film of the same name, sung by Harry Richman, although its most popular version would be sung by Fred Astaire for the 1943 film Blues Skies. Richman's version went to no. 1 but Astaire had a hit of his own with his single version of the song, although his '30s vocal single really piqued interest after his famous film version more than a dozen years later. Although we'll take Astaire in an instant, it's worthwhile to look back at the original film version and consider it's later influence on culture: The performance of the song during Puttin' On The Ritz was the first time in cinematic history that both black and white actors sang as part of the same ensemble.
"God Bless America" (1938)
Berlin served in the U.S. Army during 1918, where he first wrote the now classic song. He considered working it into one of his first revues, Yip Yip Yaphank (named after New York town hosting the camp he was stationed at). He shelved the tune, feeling that it didn't fit the mood (other tracks include "Oh! How I Hate To Get Up in The Morning"). Twenty years later he brought it back with slightly revised lyrics, with the intent of it being a "peace song." Hitler was on the move in Europe and he hoped it would inspire the United States to keep from going to war (despite his own Jewish background). Kate Smith sang the song on her Armistice Day broadcast, catching the ear of the nation and ensuring the song's entry in the American Songbook. Interesting to note that the Ku Klux Klan still protests the song because of its "Jewish" origins.
Annie Get Your Gun (1946)
None of Berlin's Broadway musical projects had the longevity of Annie Get Your Gun, and few scores since have equalled it in terms of cultural relevance. "Anything You Can Do" has long been an anthem for competition (especially between the genders) and "I'm A Bad, Bad Man" earned a reference in Arrested Development (always a high-point for pop culture items). The theater version was certainly popular (1,147 performances) and a film version was nearly as successful two years later. The best proof that Annie had staying power was when "There's No Business Like Show Business," a song from the play, had its own film version—with no relation to the plot of Annie—made in 1954, also starring Ethel Merman (that film was a noted dud however).
White Christmas (1954)
Nothing brings the concept of song canon to light like the Christmas season. Do you ever wonder who was the first person to write songs like "Jingle Bells"? Berlin may not have written that classic but he is responsible for several more. "Happy Holiday" was composed by Berlin and recorded in its most famous version by Bing Crosby during 1942. Realizing perhaps that Crosby would later be known as the greatest single vocalist of holiday tunes, Paramount got him together with Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen for the 1954 film White Christmas, scored by Berlin. As you may have guessed, the opening and closing number for the film would also enter lexicon of Christmas classics.
