One of the greatest American composers, Irving Berlin, was born 133 years ago today in Czarist Russia (and lived to 101!). It's hard to select from a songbook that extends from 1907 to 1971, one that includes such standards as "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Easter Parade," "White Christmas," "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody," and, of course, "God Bless America." We decided to go with three favorites that also showcase other mega talent: "How Deep Is The Ocean" written in 1932 and recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in 1958; "Blue Skies," written in 1926 and recorded by Count Basie in 1945 (vocal by Jimmy Rushing); and "Cheek To Cheek," written in 1935 and performed that same year by Fred Astaire in the film "Top Hat" (where the song is arguably eclipsed by the dancing of Astaire and the glowing Ginger Rogers.). Hope you enjoy.
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