Irving Berlin

[The Story Teller]

Irving Berlin​

“Simplicity is the badge of genius. Simplicity is the badge of distinction.”
—Milne​

As one of the most published songwriters in America, Irving Berlin surely must have studied with the great composers, learned music theory from European masters, or received training at a great conservatory. In reality, Berlin had none of those advantages. After only two years of formal education, he took to the streets as an entertainer. He sang in saloons and learned to pick out tunes with one finger on the keyboard. He never learned harmony and could only play in the key of F sharp. Yet, in 1907 Berlin began to compose. It was not until 1911 that he had his first big hit, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” which sold over a million copies in the first few months. Drafted in 1917 for service in World War I, Berlin wrote a soldier’s show that included the popular “Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning.”
Berlin’s songs seem to be spontaneous inspirations. Yet, his process of writing was long and painful. He often struggled with lyrics, going through many revisions to get them right. Then, with his limited mastery of the piano, he would bang out a tune. Somehow, after all the agonizing, the song would begin to flow naturally. Unlike a Gershwin song that can be identified after hearing its first measure, Berlin’s songs have never had a distinctive style. Berlin never initiated a new musical trend; he just took an existing trend and adapted his music to it. He wrote for the Ziegfeld Follies, Marx Brothers movies, and Broadway shows. His best-known hits have included “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.” In his own simplicity Irving Berlin has managed to tell the ever-changing story of America in song.
Consider This: You don’t have to be complex to be good. Simplicity goes a long way and has staying power that no fad will ever match.
Submitted by Richard

 

[gloryseven]

Simplicity is key

 

[The Story Teller]

Simplicity is key

Oh, but at last, it is in our nature to make it better..

 

[CCe]

 

[The Story Teller]

 

[JPPT1974]

God bless you Rich and keep up the good work!

 

[The Story Teller]

God bless you Rich and keep up the good work!

Thank you..

 

[brachah]

kiss (keep it simple stupid)