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A photo of Irving Berlin Photo sourced from

15 Great Facts About facts Irving Berlin 

Irving Berlin born in 1888 and died in 1989 was an American composer and lyricist who was regarded as one of the most productive and significant songwriters of the 20th century. He produced approximately 1,500 songs, many of which went on to become classics, and his tunes were used in innumerable movies, plays, and revues.

Berlin produced several well-known songs during his lengthy and prosperous career. His songs encapsulated the zeitgeist and mirrored America’s shifting cultural landscape. Berlin succeeded in becoming a respected and significant character in American popular music despite the obstacles and prejudice he faced as a Jewish immigrant. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest facts about him; 

1. He was born on May 11, 1888, in Tolochin, Belarus 

A photo of Irving Berlin Photo sourced from

American composer and lyricist Irving Berlin were born on May 11th, 1888 in Tolochin, Belarus (which was then part of the Russian Empire) as the youngest of eight children born in his family. His family was of Jewish origin and was from Belarus.

When he was five years old, his family immigrated to the United States to escape anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia. He could lead a life of success in the future while in the United States of America and remains one of the best musicians to this day.

Read more about him in 15 Great Facts About facts Irving Berlin

2. He began his career as a songwriter in his early twenties

After quitting school at age 13, Irving Berlin started a career as a lyricist in his early 20s. Before being hired as a song plugger—someone who played new sheet music in music stores to stimulate sales—he held odd jobs like singing waiter and street performer. He gained useful experience from this position and gained knowledge of the music business.

Berlin wrote his debut song, “Marie from Sunny Italy,” in 1907, but it was not a commercial hit. Nonetheless, he persisted in writing, and in 1911, when “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” was released, he finally achieved success. Berlin became well-known thanks to the song’s success and the many artists that covered it.

3. Berlin never learned to read or write music 

Photo of Irving Berlin Photo sourced from

Despite his fame, Irving Berlin never studied music theory or composition in the conventional sense instead he had a special way of making music. The melodies and harmonies he heard in his head would be recorded by him singing them into a tape recorder or they would be spoken to a musical secretary who would then write them down for him.

Then, with the aid of a pianist or arranger, he would figure out the chords and other musical intricacies. Berlin didn’t have any professional musical training, but his talent for crafting catchy melodies and insightful lyrics made him one of the era’s most popular songwriters.

4. Berlin was often shy and self-conscious, and he rarely performed in public 

Irving Berlin by Pach Brothers Studio, c. 1911 Photo sourced from

Even though other musicians frequently performed Berlin’s songs, the musician himself performed sparingly in public this is because Berlin was often shy and self-conscious, and he rarely. 

He preferred to keep a low profile and let his music do the talking. He did, however, occasionally sing his songs for close friends or in private. Berlin’s early years as a struggling immigrant may have contributed to his timidity.

5. Berlin served in the U.S. Army during World War I 

Irving Berlin, then a sergeant in the United States Army Photo sourced from

At the age of 29, Berlin enlisted in the American military in 1917 and was tasked with serving with the 152nd Store Brigade at Camp Upton, New York. He was initially charged with creating songs to enhance the troops’ morale. But his abilities were rapidly noticed, and he was soon transferred to France to amuse the front-line soldiers.

“Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning” and “Mandy” are just two of the songs that Berlin composed while serving in France and which quickly gained popularity among the troops. Also, he penned the Broadway musical revue “Yip Yip Yaphank,” which was performed by soldiers at Camp Upton.

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6. Berlin was a strong supporter of the United States and its armed forces

His support for the United States and its armed forces was a recurring theme throughout his career. He was a patriotic American who expressed his love for his country through his music. Long after World War II ended, Berlin remained dedicated to the United States and its military.

The United States and its soldiers received significant support from Irving Berlin’s music and advocacy during some of the nation’s most trying moments. Even today, his reputation as a musical star and a patriotic American is honored. He was also awarded the Medal of Merit by President Harry Truman in 1945.

7. He was also a philanthropist

Berlin was also well-known for his generous philanthropic works. During his life, he gave millions of dollars to several causes, including the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and the United Service Organizations (USO), which support service people and their families.

Berlin established the God Bless America Fund in 1958, and it is still giving funds to groups that help veterans and their families, as well as to initiatives for young people, scientific research, and the arts. This philanthropic work earned him a name and he has been famed for it even after his death.

8. He received several awards in his career 

Berlin was also a recipient of several awards and accolades in his career including; The Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943 for “White Christmas” in Holiday Inn, and The US Army Medal of Merit from General George Marshall at the direction of President Harry S. Truman.

His other awards include; Tony Award in 1951 for Best Score for the musical Call Me Madam, the Congressional Gold Medal in 1954 from President Dwight D. Eisenhower for contributing many patriotic songs, the Special Tony Award in 1963, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1968, and the Lawrence Langner Tony Award in 1978

9. Berlin was inducted into several halls of fame in his career 

Berlin was also inducted into several halls of fame in his career including being inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, the Jewish-American Hall of Fame in 1988, and the American Theater Hall of Fame, and honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Gerald Ford.

He has also been honored in different ways including having a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 1, 1994, a Medal of Liberty during centennial celebrations for the Statue of Liberty in 1986, and a 100th-birthday celebration concert for the benefit of Carnegie Hall and ASCAP on May 11, 1988.

10. Berlin was known for his trademark white tie and tails

On stage at the POW dinner are Vic Damone, Bob Hope, Song writer Irving Berlin, Sammy Davis, Jr. Pat Nixon and President Nixon. May 24, 1973 Photo sourced from

Berlin was also well recognized for his unique sense of fashion style, which frequently included a white tie and tails. Traditionally worn for formal occasions and events, such as weddings, galas, and other high-profile parties, the white tie and tails combo is a formal dress code.

Berlin was well recognized for wearing this costume both on and off the stage; it almost became his signature appearance. According to reports, he chose this formal attire because it exuded an image of refinement and elegance, which he felt was crucial to his public identity as a well-known composer and performer.

11. He was one of the first songwriters to insist on retaining the copyright to his music

Berlin’s insistence on keeping ownership of the copyright to his music was one of the most significant things he did as a songwriter. At the time, most songwriters gave their songwriting rights to music publishers in exchange for a one-time payment, thus this was a risky move.

Berlin was able to continue to get a sizable income from royalties for the remainder of his life by holding onto the copyright to his music. His choice to hold onto his copyright had a big effect on the music business. It established a standard for other composers to follow and reinforced the value of intellectual property rights in the music business.

12. He was also a noted collector of hats

Hats have always been a passion of Berlin. He would frequently go to hat shops as a young boy growing up in New York City to admire the many types and designs. He started to build a collection of his own as he got older and more successful in his work.

Berlin’s black fedora, which he wore regularly in public appearances and photos, was one of his most well-known headgear pieces. The hat was so recognizable that it became part of Berlin’s persona and is still recognized as such. He had a collection of more than 1,000 hats at his home in New York City.

13. Berlin was a lifelong Democrat

Irving Berlin was well-known for being a fervent supporter of the Democratic Party throughout his life. He actively ranted in support of Democratic causes and politicians, notably FDR’s presidential campaigns in 1932, 1936, and 1940. He was also a vocal supporter of Adlai Stevenson during the 1952 presidential election.

Berlin’s experiences as an immigrant and his commitment to social justice and equality influenced his political ideas. He had a strong commitment to causes including the defense of civil rights for all people and the battle against anti-Semitism.

14. He was to Ellin Mackay for more than 60 years

Irving Berlin & wife Ellin Mackay Photo sourced from

For more than 60 years, Berlin was married to American socialite Ellin Mackay. In the 1920s, Ellin was a debutante from an affluent family and Berlin was already a well-known composer. Although coming from quite different backgrounds, they fell in love and wed in 1926. Ellin had a big impact on Berlin’s work during their marriage.

The couple were blessed with four children namely Mary Ellin Barrett, Linda Emmet, Elizabeth Peters, and Irvin Berlin Jr. However the couple tragically also their son, Irving Berlin Jr., who passed away in 1928 at the age of three weeks from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

15. Berlin died aged 101 on September 22, 1989 

Irving Berlin died peacefully aged 101 in his home in New York city on September 22, 1989 and according to his family, he died in his sleep because of natural causes.Berlin’s health had been in declining for some time leading up to his death.

He had early in 1988, suffered from a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. After his death, he was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who praised and recognized his contributions to American music. His funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan, and he was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.