Irving Berlin

Undeniably the most successful songwriter of the 20th century, Irving Berlin gained legendary status with a vast catalogue of Broadway hits and Hollywood showstoppers, all which aimed to reach the heart of the average American. Incredibly, Berlin couldn't read music and only played the piano in one key, but his uncomplicated and direct compositions instantly struck a chord with mainstream audiences, dominating both stage and screen for nearly four decades. A significant contributor to the Great American Songbook, Berlin's work has also topped the charts on 25 separate occasions, received eight Academy Award nominations and helped to raise the spirit in his adopted homeland during two world wars.