`Biography' recalls life of Irving Berlin

From: Chicago Sun-Times | Date: December 23, 1999| Author: MIKE HUGHES | Copyright information

Composer Irving Berlin, who was born in Russia, moved to America at 5 and left home (to avoid burdening his penniless mother) at 13, is the subject of a Sunday "Biography" on A&E. The program, which airs at 7 p.m., is full of intriguing details about the composer's life.

"I thought that whole bit about `Gee, how I hate to get up in the morning' was fascinating," says host Harry Smith.

Berlin already was a top songwriter (best known for "Alexander's Ragtime Band") when he joined t...

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