This weekend, City Island Images celebrates the life of Israel Isidore Baline. (May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) This was one of the greatest songwriters in American history. An amazing lyricist of Jewish heritage, who published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy", in 1907 and had his first major international hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1911.
He is the one and only, Maestro Irving Berlin. The following links are offered for your enjoyment. This one was recorded on May 5, 1968. "God Bless America" on The Ed Sullivan Show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmc-pEyUHTs
Although many of his songs have reached the top of the charts 25 times and have been extensively re-recorded by numerous singers including Ethel Merman, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Waters, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Rosemary Clooney, Cher, Diana Ross, Bing Crosby, Rita Reys, Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray, Al Jolson, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Doris Day and Ella Fitzgerald.
Here is one more version of our favorite tune Bailine.