God Bless America

As the warm winds of May dance through our towns, we find ourselves in a special time of year. This month, we remember the brave people who have protected our country on Memorial Day, and we also celebrate the birthday of a very important music maker, Irving Berlin. Born Israel Beilin on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russia, Berlin created songs that have become a big part of our American story. His song "God Bless America" is like a musical hug for our country, reminding us of our shared love for our homeland and as we learn more about Berlin and his music, let's also appreciate how special music is. Music creates community and lifts our hearts and voices to tell an American tale in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy.

Irving Berlin was one of the most prolific and influential songwriters in American history. His family emigrated to the United States in 1893, settling in New York City's Lower East Side, a melting pot of cultures and musical influences that would later shape Berlin's musical style.

Despite his remarkable contributions to music, Berlin had no formal education in the field. He was largely self-taught, having left school at the age of eight to help support his family. He worked various jobs, including selling newspapers and serving as a singing waiter in Chinatown and the Bowery, where he was first exposed to the world of music and theater.

Interestingly, Berlin, one of the greatest songwriters in history, could neither read nor write music in the traditional sense. He played the piano by ear and used a transposing keyboard to compose his songs, relying on a musical secretary to write down the notes. This unconventional approach did not hinder his creativity; instead, it gave his music a unique and distinctive style.

Over his six-decade-long career, Berlin wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, spanning a wide range of styles and themes. His music was not confined to one genre; he wrote for Broadway shows, Hollywood films, and standalone pop songs, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability.

Among his vast repertoire, several songs stand out for their popularity and cultural impact. "Alexander's Ragtime Band," released in 1911, was his first major hit and is often credited with sparking an international dance craze. "God Bless America," originally composed during World War I and revised in the lead-up to World War II, has become an unofficial national anthem, reflecting the country's patriotic spirit. "White Christmas," featured in the film "Holiday Inn" and later covered by numerous artists, is one of the best-selling singles of all time and a perennial holiday favorite.

Click HERE to download free sheet music for God Bless America

Use the sheet music to play along with version of "God Bless America" live from The Ed Sullivan Show on May 5, 1968, also in the key of G Major.

Despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal training, Irving Berlin's extraordinary talent and hard work led him to become one of the most celebrated songwriters of the 20th century. Berlin's goal as a songwriter was to reach the heart of the average American, a sentiment that is clearly reflected in "God Bless America." The song's enduring popularity attests to Berlin's success in achieving this goal.

Download other patriotic songs from Prodigies like Taps, Hail to the Chief and America the Beautiful.