Irving Berlin

Berlin was one of the most prolific songwriters in American history, whose 'White Christmas' (1942), sung by Bing Crosby, became the best-selling single of all time. Born to a Jewish family in the Russian Empire — his father was a cantor — he emigrated as a child to New York's Lower East Side and rose from street singer to composer of standards including 'God Bless America' and 'There's No Business Like Show Business'. He wrote the words and music for around 1,500 songs across a career spanning six decades.