A Native Of Belarus Wrote The Best-selling Song Of The 20th Century

The Unusual Story of Irving Berlin.

Irving Berlin lived to be 101 years old, became famous for his pop songs, and also wrote “God Bless America,” which has been dubbed the unofficial national anthem of the United States, according to "Solidarnosc".

“I have no checkbooks, no banks. And yet I’d like to express my gratitude—I have the sun in the morning and the moon at night,” said Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin), the author of numerous hits, including “White Christmas.”

“Life is 10% what you do and 90% how you perceive it,” said the genius, who in his youth worked as a store errand boy, a newspaper delivery boy, and a waiter at a music café.

It was there, at the owner’s request, that at age 16 he wrote his first hit, “Mary from Sunny Italy.” Earning an extra 37 cents.

“Talent is just a starting point. And the hardest part about success is that you have to keep being successful,” — Irving wrote about 20 musicals and 900 songs.

For “God Bless America,” President Eisenhower awarded Berlin the “Congressional Gold Medal.” And President Ford presented the composer with Congress’s highest civilian honor—the Medal of Freedom.

“Music changes the way people think; it affects everyone, whether they realize it or not. Music knows no boundaries. Because a song ends, but the melody remains,”—Irving certainly had a way with words.

The official video for “White Christmas” is dedicated to “the men and women of the armed forces around the world who give their lives for their people.” The song was first performed by Bing Crosby on NBC radio on Christmas Day 1941. “White Christmas” entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling song of the 20th century.

Irving Berlin died in his sleep in 1989. Former President Ronald Reagan sent his condolences, and then-President George H.W. Bush led the funeral procession, which sang “God Bless America.” He also delivered a speech, calling the native of Mogilev “a legendary figure whose words and music will help us understand the history of our people.”

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