"Simplicity is the badge of genius. Simplicity is the badge of distinction." A. A. M.

As one of the most published song writers in America, Irving Berlin must have studied with the great composers, gone to Europe to learn music theory or was trained at a great conservatory. In fact, Berlin had none of these advantages. After only two years of formal education, he took to the streets as an entertainer. He sang in saloons and learned to pick out tunes with one finger on the keyboard. He never learned harmony. He could only pick out tunes in the key of F sharp. Yet, in 1907 Berlin began to compose. It was not until 1911 that he had his first big hit, Alexander's Ragtime Band, which sold over a million copies in the first few months. Drafted in 1917 for World War I, Berlin wrote a soldier's show which included Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning.

Berlin songs seem to be spontaneous inspirations. Yet, Berlin's process of writing is long and painful. Berlin often struggles through the lyrics, with many revisions to get them right. Then, with his limited mastery of the piano, he must write a tune. Some how, after the agony, the song seems to flow naturally. Not like a Gershwin song that can be identified in the first measure, Berlin songs have never had a particular "style." He never initiated a new trend, he just took each musical trend and adapted to it. He wrote for the Ziegfeld Follies, Marx Brothers Movies, and Broadway shows. His best-known hits have included White Christmas and God Bless America. In his own simplicity Irving Berlin has managed to tell the ever-changing American story in song.

CONSIDER THIS: You don't have to be complex to be good. Simplicity goes a long way and has staying power no fad will ever match.