His music, totaling more than 1,500 songs by most estimates, has been consistently popular with the American public for more than three-quarters of this century. In addition to their public appeal, Irving Berlin s songs reflect cultural and historical changes. In the 1920's, his songs reflect the influence and popularity of jazz and dance forms. As motion pictures became the dominant form of national entertainment, he came to be recognized as the most successful composer of film scores. The holdings of the National Archives, which reflect both the cultural and historical heritage of our nation and its people, help us understand Berlin s unique ability to capture the changing social and political attitudes and manners of various eras.
Newsreels offer an especially rich resource.
Between 1929 and 1967, Universal News produced weekly filmed reports on current events. Through these and other newsreels and films we can trace the events of the day, including Irving Berlin s involvement in both world wars, the Berlin Airlift, and the Freedom Train, the mobile museum that toured the country and drew millions of Americans to exhibits on the origins and development of democracy. Together, these materials help us to understand Irving Berlin s rich contribution to American cultural and social history.