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Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" is one of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its creator:

1. Origin of the Song:

   • Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" in 1940 while staying at the La Quinta Hotel in California. He was feeling nostalgic for the white Christmases of his childhood in New York.

2. Debut Performance:

   • Bing Crosby first performed "White Christmas" on Christmas Day in 1941 during his NBC radio show, "The Kraft Music Hall." The song was an instant hit.

3. Best-Selling Single:

   • "White Christmas" went on to become the best-selling single of all time. Bing Crosby's 1942 recording alone has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.

4. Oscar-Winning Song:

   • The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942. It appeared in the film "Holiday Inn," in which Bing Crosby starred alongside Fred Astaire.

5. Chart Success:

   • "White Christmas" topped the charts multiple times. It first hit number one on the Billboard charts in 1942 and returned to the top spot in 1945 and 1947.

6. Universal Appeal:

   • One reason for the song's enduring popularity is its universal theme of longing for a traditional white Christmas, which resonates with people of various cultures and backgrounds.

7. Iconic Performances:

   • In addition to Bing Crosby's famous rendition, other artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and The Drifters have recorded their versions of "White Christmas."

8. Generous Royalties:

   • Irving Berlin, in a gesture of goodwill, donated all the royalties from the song to the God Bless America Fund for the benefit of the armed forces during World War II.

9. Film Adaptation:

   • The success of the song led to the making of the 1954 film "White Christmas," starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. The film was a musical romantic comedy featuring a plot centered around the song.

10. Cultural Impact:

    • "White Christmas" has become an integral part of popular culture and is played extensively during the holiday season. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.

The timeless appeal of "White Christmas" continues to captivate audiences and evoke the holiday spirit, making it a classic Christmas song that remains beloved around the world.