Popular music would not be the same today without Irving Berlin. His tunes created a golden age in American music and influenced every singer, songwriter, and composer of the last century. The Russian-born cantor's son composed more than 1,000 popular songs, including White Christmas, God Bless America, and Puttin' On the Ritz. He lived a full century and died only recently -- still a very private man. What was he like?\ This charming reminiscence by Berlin's eldest daughter illuminates that...
Popular music would not be the same today without Irving Berlin. His tunes created a golden age in American music and influenced every singer, songwriter, and composer of the last century. The Russian-born cantor's son composed more than 1,000 popular songs, including White Christmas, God Bless America, and Puttin' On the Ritz. He lived a full century and died only recently -- still a very private man. What was he like?This charming reminiscence by Berlin's eldest daughter illuminates that private life. Mrs. Barrett describes an idyllic childhood with servants, homes in New York City, California, and the Catskills, and such family friends as the Marx Brothers and Charlie Chaplin. He was an exciting father to grow up with. Her recollection: candid and affectionate.