Irving Berlin Research Paper

Brin’s coming to America has led to one of the most important contributions to the internet, but undoubtedly, this isn't the only aspect of American culture, where we can evidence Russian influx. No greater compliment could be paid to a Russian immigrant, or immigrant, for that matter, than to use Jerome Kern’s words stating that Irving Berlin, the Belarussian composer, had no place in American music, but rather was American music (Johnson 56). Irving Berlin was born in Siberia, Russia, the youngest of eight children, during a time of turbulence within the Soviet world. As if the harsh environment of Siberia were not enough of an unfavorable start for the young Irving, his birth to a Jewish family provided even more challenges. For after the
Although his original intention was to use music to earn a paltry living, that time musicians could be content with the paltry pennies for the work, Berlin would find himself traipsing the bar scene in lower Manhattan, where ragtime music was erupting and emerging talents were appearing. Berlin soon learned every popular song of the time and could play along on the piano without even thinking. What started as a means to earn a meal, Berlin turned his then meager piano talent into a history-making era. As he Berlin would say in his own words about writing good music, “Three-fourths of that quality which brings success to popular songs is the phrasing. "I make a study of it—ease, naturalness, everyday-ness—and it is my first consideration when I start on lyrics” (6). For sure, this Russian immigrant not only helped shape American culture but also created it through his songs which are as memorable as his patriotism. Who could deny the true Red, White, and Blue of such classics as “White Christmas” or “Holiday Inn”? Berlin's ''White Christmas" was extremely popular in America in 1942, and was played ''to death"; as (Clausen) pointed out, during World War II, Bing Crosby, famous bass-baritone voice of America, was performing ''White Christmas" overseas for American troops, since this was the only song they wanted to listen to. It reminded them home, so dear and
But for this one Russian immigrant to become so dearly beloved by his adoptive country that he is associated with the National Anthem is quite a tribute. Johnson lets us know how the golden and inimitable career of Berlin, who is probably more American than any born on U.S. soil, wrote the famous “God Bless America,” which happens to be considered by many the anthem of the United States (56). This song was favored by the politics, such as Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie, who even used it as their official campaigns' song. We can hear it anywhere—on the Fourth of July, labor rallies, sports events, concerts; moreover, it was used in the Civil Rights Movement. '' God Bless America" is the true blessing for the American soul. Berlin typifies the quintessential former Soviet Union immigrant who weaved a powerful influence on the very fabric of American culture, even when these adopted sons came from half way around the