Tin Pan Alley & Hollywood, Part 1: Irving Berlin (Israel Baline), the son of a cantor, arrived in New York speaking only Yiddish. After learning his trade as a song plugger on Tin Pan Alley, he eventually created the standards of un-American popular music including Easter Parade, White Christmas and God Bless America. George Gershwin (Jacob Gershowitz) and Harold Arlen (Hyman Arluck), also cantors' sons, added jazz licks and blues riffs. Dr. Jack Gottlieb and John Lahr offer many musical examples to show the influence of Yiddish songs and synagogue music on the work of these classic American songwriters. Produced and hosted by Larry Josephson.
Part 4 of 5, the series runs December 3-7 from 2-3pm and is organized around themes, historical periods and individuals that illustrate important aspects of this American Jewish history. The full series will be available as a subscriber premium, in a fully packaged 8-CD set including additional feature programs and interview content.