Irving Berlin

Robert Kimball is the editor of the new book, The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin (Knopf) which he compiled with Berlins daughter, Linda Emmet. Berlins songs include "Cheek to Cheek, "Lets Face the Music," "Always," "Theres No Business Like Show Business, " "White Christmas," and the song heard a lot of late, "God Bless America." Kimball edited complete lyrics collections of Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, and Lorenz Hart.

Biographer Laurence Bergreen. Saturday May 11 is the 108th anniversary of Irving Berlin's birthday. Bergreen's biography of Berlin, entitled "As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin", was first published in 1990 and re-issued in paperback (Da Capo Press) in 1996. (REBROADCAST from 6/26/90)

Bergreen's new book about the songwriter is called "As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin." The writer also wrote a book about actor James Agee.

Biographer Laurence Bergreen. His new book is "As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin." (published by Viking Press). Bergreen is also the author of "James Agee: A Life."

Ian Whitcomb, an Englishman in love with American music. Since first coming to the United States in the early 60s, he has devoted his career to promoting and keeping alive the tradition of American popular song, particularly those from the Tin Pan Alley era.. His new book, Irving Berlin and Ragtime America, salutes the music of Irving Berlin, who will celebrate his 100th birthday this year.

In honor of the composer's 99th birthday, Fresh Air invites Peggy King to perform several of his songs in studio. She is accompanied by pianist Mike Abene.