Irving Berlin’s America: A Reassessment
Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4
Zoom – Wednesday 10:30 am – Noon
Jerome Kern famously observed of Irving Berlin that, rather than merely having a place in American music, Irving Berlin is American music. Our country’s 250th anniversary offers a special opportunity to revisit his rags-to-riches story and his celebration of core American values. We trace the trajectory of his career, from his hardscrabble beginnings, through his early success with Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and his stewardship of his legacy. We salute many of his iconic songs that we know so well. We discuss his promotion of Ethel Waters and his efforts to expose racism in Broadway theater. In exploring his remarkably prolific portfolio of music, it is amazing to note that Irving Berlin was unable to read or write music and could play the piano in only one key. Previously offered course.
- Week 1: Overview and hardscrabble beginnings
- Week 2: Ragtime in context, Alexander’s Ragtime Band and international fame
- Week 3: Camp Upton and Yip-Yip Yaphank
- Week 4: Courtship of Ellin Mackay, Blue Skies and How Deep is the Ocean
- Week 5: Puttin’ on the Ritz, As Thousands Cheer, Ethel Waters and Billie Holiday
- Week 6: God Bless America vs. This Land is Your Land
- Week 7: Call Me Madam
- Week 8: Annie Get Your Gun
Joshua Berrett earned a BA from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, an MA from Columbia University, and a PhD from the University of Michigan. He has also studied at the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and the Tanglewood Music Center. He is a Professor Emeritus at Mercy University, a freelance violinist and the author of many publications on music. He has made presentations nationally, been interviewed on NPR, and lectured abroad. With his wife, Lynne, he is co-founder of the non-profit Ageless Mind Project, Inc.