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Irving Berlin, one of the greatest American songwriters of the 20th century, wrote the iconic holiday song "White Christmas." Here are some interesting facts about Irving Berlin and the song:

1. Background:

   • Irving Berlin was born Israel Isidore Baline on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russia. His family immigrated to the United States when he was just a child, fleeing anti-Semitic persecution.

2. Limited Musical Training:

   • Berlin had minimal formal musical training and couldn't read sheet music well. Despite this, he had a natural gift for melody and composition.

3. "White Christmas" Composition:

   • Berlin wrote "White Christmas" in 1940 while staying at the La Quinta Hotel in California. The song was composed by Berlin as a reflection on the nostalgia and longing for the traditional white Christmases of his childhood.

4. Bing Crosby's Recording:

   • Bing Crosby's 1942 recording of "White Christmas" is the most famous and successful version. It became the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales exceeding 50 million copies worldwide.

5. Debut in "Holiday Inn":

   • The song was introduced to the public in the film "Holiday Inn" (1942), where Bing Crosby sings it. The film also features other Irving Berlin songs, and it was the first time "White Christmas" was performed.

6. Academy Award:

   • "White Christmas" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943. It remains the best-selling single of all time, holding the title for many decades.

7. Sentimental Value:

   • The song's success is often attributed to its simple yet evocative lyrics that tap into the sentimentality and yearning associated with the holiday season, particularly during times of war.

8. Legacy:

   • "White Christmas" has become a holiday standard and has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. It is a perennial favorite during the Christmas season and is a symbol of the nostalgia and magic of the holidays.

9. Christmas Album:

   • In 1945, Irving Berlin released a Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas," featuring several holiday classics, including "White Christmas." The album further contributed to the song's lasting popularity.

10. Berlin's Philanthropy:

    • Irving Berlin donated all the royalties from the song to the Armed Forces Radio Service during World War II, contributing to the war effort.

"White Christmas" remains an enduring and beloved part of the American holiday music tradition.