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Quotes of the Day for 11 May 2004 - Irving Berlin

Israel Baline was born at Mohilev, Russia on this day in 1888. Five years later his family emigrated to New York City and settled in the Lower East Side. In 1902 Israel left home and took to singing in Bowery saloons for spare change. He was working as a singing waiter in Chinatown when he got his first credits as a songwriter in 1907, and changed his name to Irving Berlin. In 1911 he was propelled into an international reputation with the song "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and for five decades turned out hit after hit including "God Bless America" and "White Christmas".

From the mountains to the prairies,
  To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
  My home sweet home!

Life is 10% what you make it, and 90% how you take it.

The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

You're not sick you're just in love.

Let's face the music and dance.

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in this business. You've got to keep on working that talent. Someday I'll reach for it and it won't be there.
     - All from Irving Berlin, 1888 - 1989

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