Autographs
1932 "Irving Berlin" Typed Letter Signed to the famed Columnist and Broadcaster Walter Winchell
IRVING BERLIN (1888-1989). American composer and lyricist. His music forms a large part of the "Great American Songbook"; he published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy", in 1907, and became known for international hits such as "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and was also an owner of the "Music Box Theatre" on Broadway; his Broadway musical and 1943 film "This Is the Army", with Ronald Reagan, had Kate Smith singing Berlin's "God Bless America", first performed in 1938.
February 23, 1932-Dated, Typed Letter Boldly Signed, "Irving Berlin", measuring 7.25" x 11", 1 page, no place, Choice Extremely Fine. Written on his personal "IRVING BERLIN" letterhead, to the famed columnist and broadcaster Walter Winchell, reading:
"Many thanks for your note telling me of the bouquet you threw my way over the air on Thursday. I appreciate it more than I can tell you."
Marked "File" at top left in pencil; faint mailing folds otherwise crisp and clean with a huge 2.75" bold black signature "Irving Berlin" at its conclusion. Excellent for framing and display.
"Alexander's Ragtime Band" sparked an international dance craze in places as far away as Berlin's native Russia, which also "flung itself into the ragtime beat with an abandon bordering on mania".
Over the years he was known for writing music and lyrics in the American vernacular: uncomplicated, simple and direct, with his stated aim being to "reach the heart of the average American," whom he saw as the "real soul of the country".
In doing so, said Walter Cronkite, at Berlin's 100th birthday tribute, he "helped write the story of this country, capturing the best of who we are and the dreams that shape our lives".
He wrote hundreds of songs, many becoming major hits, which made him famous before he turned thirty. During his 60-year career he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including the scores for 20 original Broadway shows and 15 original Hollywood films, with his songs nominated eight times for Academy Awards.
Many songs became popular themes and anthems, including "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Easter Parade", "Puttin' on the Ritz", "Cheek to Cheek", "White Christmas", "Happy Holiday", "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)", and "There's No Business Like Show Business".
His Broadway musical and 1943 film This Is the Army, with Ronald Reagan, had Kate Smith singing Berlin's "God Bless America", first performed in 1938.
Berlin's songs have reached the top of the charts 25 times and have been extensively re-recorded by numerous singers, including: The Andrews Sisters, Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Tiny Tim, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Rosemary Clooney, Cher, Diana Ross, Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Ruth Etting, Fanny Brice, Marilyn Miller, Rudy Valle, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Garcia, Taco, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble, Lady Gaga, and Christina Aguilera.