Publishers Weekly
09/23/2019
The mainstay of the 20th-century American Songbook unified a nation’s diverse voices, according to this sprightly biography. Biographer Kaplan (Frank: The Voice) follows Irving Berlin’s rise from being a Russian-Jewish immigrant singing for pennies in New York saloons to becoming king of musical Broadway and Hollywood, composing megahits such as the jazz fanfare “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” the patriotic anthem “God Bless America,” the secular hymn “White Christmas,” and the suave love-croon “Cheek to Cheek.” There were no florid dysfunctions in Berlin’s life—he enjoyed success and acclaim from youth onward—but Kaplan excavates psychological depth beneath the blithe melodies. Berlin suffered from bouts of depression and wracking insecurity about his work (he almost discarded “There’s No Business Like Show Business” as a stinker) but persevered with a maniacal work ethic (he would tinker with some tunes for years) lit by sudden bolts of genius (he wrote “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” in a taxi). Kaplan tells the story briskly and with aplomb, adding plenty of showbiz antics, atmospheric evocations of Berlin’s New York, and shrewd critical passages that separate the musical schmaltz from the art (and find the art in the schmaltz). The result is a smart, entertaining biography of a great songwriter that will have readers humming along. Photos (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Empathic. . . . As long as there are hearts to swell, ‘Always’ and ‘How Deep Is the Ocean’ will swell them.”—Eric Grode, New York Times Book Review“Propulsive and appealing.”—Brad Leithauser, Wall Street Journal“Kaplan tells the story briskly and with aplomb, adding plenty of showbiz antics, atmospheric evocations of Berlin’s New York, and shrewd critical passages that separate the musical schmaltz from the art (and find the art in the schmaltz). The result is a smart, entertaining biography of a great songwriter that will have readers humming along.”—Publishers Weekly“Robust and richly rewarding. . . . Kaplan . . . brings his deep knowledge and wise insight to Berlin’s life story so that even his most classic songs like ‘White Christmas’ feel like a new discovery.”—National Book Review“Kaplan’s book is well-documented and written in an enjoyable, conversational style. One senses on every page Kaplan’s enthusiasm for his subject as well as his deep knowledge. This is the best introduction to Berlin’s life and work.”—New York Journal of Books“Kaplan was aided by the assistance of Berlin’s two elder daughters, and that makes this biography particularly valuable. . . . A good introduction to the composer for the general reader.”—Benjamin Sears, Arts Fuse“An extensively researched, entertaining, and nuanced account that contextualizes Berlin’s story and achievements within the scope of Jewish immigrant New York and modern American popular culture. . . . An excellent addition to the Berlin biographical bookshelf and a mandatory acquisition for all American music and popular culture collections.”—Barry X. Miller, Library Journal“Artfully merges the life and music of Berlin. . . . An intimate portrait.”—David Steinberg, Albuquerque Journal“A most fascinating book.”—Aaron Leibel, Washington Jewish Week“Kaplan’s sharp analysis of Berlin’s lyrics reveals their deceptive simplicity, underlying sophistication and Berlin’s ear for the right word or melody in the right place.”—Maron L. Waxman, Jewish Book Council“James Kaplan’s Irving Berlin is just like its subject: taut, vibrant, and thrumming with the irresistible words and music of America’s songwriter laureate. It’s by turns a buoyant and poignant trip across the tumultuous 20th century, through the eyes of an artist who helped define its popular taste. Kaplan reclaims the proud Jewish identity of the patriotic immigrant who knew that his country was blessed, because he had been.”—Todd S. Purdum, author of Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway RevolutionPraise for James Kaplan: “This is biography at its very best—the story of a fascinating character brought to life as never before through superb writing, impeccable research and penetrating insight. It is a terrific book.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin, on Frank: The Voice
Library Journal
09/27/2019
Genius is the operative word. The latest entry in the "Jewish Lives" series tackles perhaps the most prolific and important composer and lyricist in U.S. history, Irving Berlin (1888–1989). With a career that spanned the greater part of the 20th century, Berlin wrote more than 1,000 songs, including "God Bless America," "White Christmas," and "Puttin' on the Ritz"; won Academy, Tony, and Grammy awards; and has secured a position as perhaps the preeminent contributor to the American Songbook. Kaplan, no stranger to daunting subjects (his Frank Sinatra biography is considered definitive), has written an extensively researched, entertaining, and nuanced account that contextualizes Berlin's story and achievements within the scope of Jewish immigrant New York and modern American popular culture. VERDICT An excellent addition to the Berlin biographical bookshelf and a mandatory acquisition for all American music and popular culture collections.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
