Irving Berlin - The Voice of the City

A joint production of BBC Bristol & A&E network, this was broadcast in celebration of Irving Berlin's 100th birthday in 1988. It features Tommy Tune & a very capable British cast recounting the career of the famous songwriter. This is a very rough and aged VHS off-air recording of the American broadcast with the first 15 seconds or so missing. It is a little gem that has been largely forgotten. Hopefully a better copy of this splendid performance will emerge.

[@danishcanadian]

Wow!!!! This is incredible!! I too, play by ear, and don't read music. For this reason, Irving Berlin has always been one of my musical heros.

[@levinmoser4001]

Leah Christensen He was always one of my heroes too. It amazes me that so few people know who he is. At Christmas, I hear people sing White Christmas and I'll ask them, do you like the music of Irving Berlin? They'll actually argue with me that Bing Crosby wrote that. 😡

[@phyllishamilton165]

When I was about four (a LONG time ago), I discovered my parents' record of Alexander's Ragtime Band -- on an ancient 78 rpm record which I recall was heavy and stiff -- one of the original shellac-based "pressed" records -- and yes, I played it on our Victrola: memories!!!

[@chattyroz2934]

This is truly wonderful. It resonates from beginning to end, showcasing some of his best music with an excellent cast and a narrative of his life. Even the credits at the end showcase a truly top class song, Soft Lights and Sweet Music. And just think of all the wonderful songs they couldn't fit in.

[@StevenTorrey]

Wow, that was great! Tommy Tune and the stage crew really did justice to Irving Berlin, commemorating his lesser know numbers as well as his well known. And yet they barely scratched the service, ending the program at about 1937 or so with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--"Top Hat." But a great show.

[@richardmoon1852]

Thanks.

[@joaov33r]

thanks for sharing...

[@vittoriaoliva8924]

wow!