1. Musical Theater
Irving Berlin

2. Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin ( ) was a Russian-born, Jewish-American composer and lyricist.
Berlin’s father died when he was 13, so he had to sing on the streets of New York to help feed his poor family.
As a singing waiter, he began to be popular for his catchy singing & piano playing.

3. Popular Songs
Berlin’s first big hit, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” sparked an international dance craze in
Berlin continued to write hundreds of popular songs that appealed to common Americans:
“I Love a Piano”
“A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody”
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” -
“Blue Skies” -

4. Patriotic Songs
Berlin contributed to the war effort during WWI and WWII by writing & performing patriotic songs.
“Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”
“God Bless America”
Berlin wrote music for 19 Broadway musicals and 15 Hollywood films including Holiday Inn & White Christmas

5. Annie Get Your Gun
Berlin wrote the music and words for the musical Annie Get Your Gun.
“There’s No Business Like Show Business” When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West travelling show comes to town, they challenge anyone to a shooting contest with their sharpshooter Frank Butler. The young Annie Oakley sees Frank & falls in love. She enters the contest & wins. Buffalo Bill & his manager convince Annie to join their show, though she has no idea what show business is like. She joins because she wants to be with Frank.