Irving Berlin - Composer

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Irving Berlin - Composer.  Born May 11, 1888 in Russia, the son of Moses and Leah (Lipkin) Baline, who brought him to the United States in 1893.  His only education was two years in the public schools of New York City.  He served in WW I as an infantry sergeant at Camp Upton, N.Y.  He was president of the Irving Berlin Music Corporation,  Among his most famous music compositions are:  "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody", "Easter Parade", "Blue Skies", "O, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning", "White Christmas", "God Bless America", "All Alone", "Remember", "Always", "Russian Lullaby", "Because I Love You", "Theres No Business Like Show Business"  On several songs he has turned over all royalties to a foundation to assist youth in "less chance" areas.  He received the first Three Degrees of Freemasonry in Munn Lodge No. 190, New York City on May 12, May 26 and June 3, 1910, becoming a life member of the Lodge on December 12, 1935.  Berlin received the 32° A.A.S.R. (NJ) on December 23, 1910 and was initiated into Mecca Shrine Temple on January 30, 1911, becoming a life member of the Shrine in December 1936.  He died an immensely wealthy man in 1989--at the epic age of 101.

 

              

               

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