American composer, was born Israel Baline in Temun, Russia.

In 1892, when he was four Irvings parents immigrated to America and settled in New York City.
He grew up in the Lower east side of New York and was forced in to the work force early in his life upon his fathers untimely death.
Young Irving did many types of jobs, newsboy, saloon singer and as well a singing waiter.
He got a break when he secured a job with a publisher in 1909 writting lyrics for songs.
Eventually he taught himself to read music and began to write his own original melodies.
His composition entitled Alexander's Ragtime Band revealed his capabilities as a force to be reckoned with in the business.
Over the course of 4 years it had sold well over 2 million copies and was considered the real first hit song of the Jazz Era.

Berlin served in the Armed Forces during WW1 and wrote a play Yip, Yip, Yank which hatched a popular song called "Oh, how I hate to get up in the morning".
During the course of time Irving Berlin started up his own publishing house and built his own theatre with the help of two other partners.

Some of the musical comedies and film musicals were:

• Watch Your Step
  
• As Thousands Cheer
  
• Top Hat
  
• Follow The Fleet
  
• Annie Get Your Gun
  
• Miss Liberty
  
  

• Blue Skies
  
• White Christmas
  
• God Bless America
  
• Always
  
• Remember