Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin was a gifted songwriter who wrote over 1,000 songs in various genres; from ballads to dance tunes. It was in 1911 with his song "Alexander's Ragtime Band" that he became well-known. The song sold over a million copies and became a huge influence on American pop music. Aside from unforgettable oldies such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Puttin' on the Ritz," Berlin also wrote "God Bless America" for which he received a Congressional Gold Medal.

This Day in Music History: 1847 - Felix Mendelssohn died after suffering from a stroke. He was a prolific composer of the Romantic period, a piano and violin virtuoso. Some of his most notable compositions are "A Midsummer Night's Dream Opus 21," "Italian Symphony" and "Wedding March."