1. Irving Berlin
Composer and Lyricist

2. Early Life
 Originally from Russia and moved to US
in 1893
 Left Russian to escape the pogroms
 Settled in New York, New York
 Quit school when he was eight to help
support his family after father died
 Never learned to read or write music

3. Contributions
 Considered greatest songwriter of all
time
 Defined American music
 Wrote many patriotic songs