Irving Berlin, beloved composer, lyricist, and playwright, passed away on Friday, September 22, 1989 at the age of 101. Berlin was born in May of 1888 in Imperial Russia and immigrated with his family to the United States at the age of 4. He was a prolific songwriter, with over 1,500 of his compositions being published throughout his lifetime. Berlin went on to write many classic and beloved songs, including “God Bless America”, “White Christmas”, “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, and “There’s No Business Like Show Business”. Berlin was awarded several honors throughout his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a special Pulitzer Prize, and a Congressional Gold Medal. He will be remembered and loved for his prolific songwriting and contributions to the world of popular music.