Irving Berlin needs no introduction. His name is synonymous with the song, but he has an amazing back-story, too. He was originally born “Israel Beilin”. He moved to America with his family from Russia when he was just five years old. Before the age of 30, he wrote hundreds of songs, many becoming major hits.

During his 60-year career, he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including the pieces for 20 Broadway plays and 15 Hollywood films, with his songs being nominated eight times for Academy Awards. Knowing about that industrious and successful American makes “God Bless America” even more special I think.

Watch this video below and feel the palpable pride and electric energy radiating from this man. Watch for that amazing moment at the 1:48 mark. It will make you want to stand up. God Bless America, indeed… and AMEN.