As Thousands Cheer: The Life Of Irving Berlin

This is an excellent biography of an interesting, lively, and inspiring individual. I like biographies, for one reason, because you can always find something of yourself in the person and a good biography connects you to the man or woman and the times in which he or she lived. This one did that, plus it brought Irving Berlin into my home so that I cared about him. Irving Berlin was a truly great and driven man, with idiosyncrasies and character defects that made him human.This book had it all. Although he wrote and sang almost 100 years ago, some of his songs live on as he meant them to. The book stayed with me after finishing it in three days. Great biography of a wonderful man. Now I must find a CD and some sheet music.

a Very detailled book about the life and the stage works and musical productions, written down by Irving Berlin. The story tells us his beginning as a Russian-Jewish immigrant, coming into the New World, starting as a singing waiter in the Manhattan Bowery and China Town district, till his greatest Broadway and Hollywood stage productions with all the well known songs. Moreover he couldn't read any score, and learning playing piano by himself into F-major octave! Amazing!Also the longest living composer/ songwriter and often singer; One hundred and one years old, before hie died! You'll see to do music with good health keeps you very young

Very well written. This is one big book and you will learn just about everything you ever wanted to know about the man. I'd seen a one man play (Herschel Felder as Irving Berlin) and this prompted me to buy this book. It really fleshed out the play and considering the volume of information, is easily assimilated - not that you won't find yourself reading some of the sentences a couple of times. I also bought a book by Berlin's daughter which dovetailed nicely with this one. This book is so well written that I'm going to buy more of this author's books.

He was there at the birth of American popular music on Tin Pan Alley. Wrote many tunes in the Great American Songbook and lived to 101. Triumph and tragedy marked his life. Russian born and raised in poverty, Israel Baline earned million$ writing songs although he never learned to read music. He wrote God Bless America and, although a Jew, two of the most popular songs associated with Christian holidays, White Christmas and Easter Parade.

Overall I would say that Irving berlin's early years were the most interesting. The fact that he and his family came over from Russia and lived a very difficult life in the Lower East side of Manhattan, speaks loudly to me as my father's family was also one of thousand that came through Ellis Island. It is remarkable how many people endured the difficulty of being immigrants and making something of themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in the music and life of Irving Berlin, most of it is fascinating.

Great. It was amazing to read about this extraordinary life. He was an amazing mix of ambition, drive, talent, patriotism, generosity, selfishness, and love. Most of all, the passion to stay revelant thruout the decades was amazing. And the explosion of talent at that time: Berlin, the Gershwins, Rogers & Hart, Rogers & Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, etc. Throw in WWI & WWII and the cold war and you have it all. A great read.

A Really Really GOOD READ! If, as I am, you are interested in the birth of American Popular Culture....You are GOING TO LOVE IT!! A real story, wow! Berlin left the stage (life) too late, lived too long for his own good. As an Old Man he developed some very Nasty Character Traits. It is a shame -- he should not have gone out that way he deserved to (America's Best Loved Composer). One of the greatest composers Ever, and lots of other stuff that is SUPER INTERESTING!

There has never been much written about the life of Irving Berlin, mainly because he refused to grant interviews or permit biographies to be written. It wasn't until after his death that the present author, Laurence Bergreen, started delving into Berlin's life.I'm still reading this fascinating book. I'm waiting for the dirt! There must have been something Berlin was hiding! But having long been an admirer of the sheer volume of his creative output, I am certainly enjoying the stories behind the songs and the shows. Definitely a valuable book and one I'm very happy to have purchased.

The book is as described but sadly the delivery was late, and the tracking number given was of no use WHY?

A very detailed but interesting account of a genius songwriter. Most amusing in parts. Never dull to read in any part of the book. Thoroughly recommended.

A great biography of a great composer, and a very good read for anyone interested in popular music of the 20th century

A great book for any music lovers which gives a great insight into the life and times of this great artist!

Christmas gift