Irving Berlin was one of the most, if not the most, prolific and successful American composer. His career reflects the changing music world of the 20th Century, from sheet music, to records, to talking motion pictures. With no formal music training, Berlin's genius was not intricate or complex compositions. Rather, Berlin used his immigrant life experience and unique talents to create music that would not only be successful when created, but would also become a part of, and in some ways define, our very special and unique American culture.

On May 11, 1888, in a small town somewhere in the southwestern corner of the Soviet Union, Israel Berlin was born. Israel was the sixth and youngest child to be born to Moses and Leah Berlin. The family lived in a small section of the Soviet Union that was designated for the Jewish people. They were "free" to practice their religion...