Irving Berlin "God Bless America" on The Ed Sullivan Show

Irving Berlin sings "God Bless America" on The Ed Sullivan Show on May 5, 1968. Subscribe now to never miss an update: ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscribe
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The Ed Sullivan Show was a television variety program that aired on CBS from 1948-1971. For 23 years it aired every Sunday night and played host to the world's greatest talents. The Ed Sullivan Show is well known for bringing rock n' roll music to the forefront of American culture through acts like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The entertainers each week ranged from comedians like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, to Broadway stars Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, to pop singers such as Bobby Darin and Petula Clark. It also frequently featured stars of Motown such as The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the only places on American television where such a wide variety of popular culture was showcased and its legacy lives on to this day.
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#IrvingBerlin #GodBlessAmerica #EdSullivanShow

[@Spasticmir]

As a Pakistani Christian refugee who had to flee to the US for religious freedom, this is truly the greatest country

[@facelesssman]

And We’re Happy to have you!🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@stuffguy6664]

he was not even born in America too he was a immigrant jew from Russia bless this man! true patriotism!

[@mhirsch2847]

Well said!

[@jocolope]

This old proud New Yorker wrote all the chit on paper punchin his black key finger playing piano data fuhqs who need a pencil to mark their X. Yer Franky Sinatra's from Italy wrote squat and yer natural born dancin Elvis wrote squat too. Cadillac told me with epee!

[@johne7345]

This story is similar to that of Igor Sikorsky, who founded the aircraft company that bore his name and is now part of Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky's website always included the tagline, "Russian by birth, American by choice." In the early days, his fledgling company was saved from bankruptcy by a generous loan from another great Russian American, Sergei Rachmaninoff, who told him, "I believe in you, and I believe in your company. Pay me back when you can," which of course he did.

[@alexanderbusen7868]

Sorry, but he was born in Belarus, not Russia.

[@SuperPindos]

That's why. He knew the price. His parents paid it, and told him how much it cost.

[@lnefouse]

Irving Berlin was a true patriot, A jewish kid from Russia who lived the American Dream and "God Bless America" will be his lasting legacy..He was trully a great "AMERICAN"

[@zlauriault]

He was from the Russian empire. Much of that is indigenous areas that have been and are suppressed. Jews are one minority most acquainted with being suppressed, lied about, targeted with myths and canards, and killed, and still with millenia of violence still have a heart to help heal the world and emphasis on social awareness. Jews were the ally of black Americans during the US Civil Rights movement and still are. Sadly it is being forgotten.)

[@Bulvan123]

​@@zlauriault Many Jews were, many were not, especially South of the Mason-Dixon line. They were 1. Often scared to speak out out of fear of becoming a target or 2. Many realized segregation was good for the Jews.

[@bobbobato]

He was 80 here. They must have assumed when they got him on the show that he was near the end of his life, and they should appreciate him while's he's still living. He lived 21 more years... longer than I've been alive.

[@paolotondo2463]

He died in 1989,101 years old

[@MsIvargas]

When America was more united than ever.

[@amyfisher6380]

In 1968? No, America was very divided back then. It’s a myth that division in America is a recent phenomenon.

[@MsIvargas]

@@amyfisher6380 well It was certainly more better than it is now lol

[@rothacke]

@@MsIvargas There were race riots and violent student protests, much worse that what we've seen recently. Plus, 1968 itself saw two political assassinations. This broadcast happened just a month after Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot dead.

[@nathanaellee8356]

At the time of this performance,God Bless America had just celebrated the 50th anniversary of its publication. Fittingly, it was led by its author, the late, great Russian-American songwriter Irving Berlin who was at this time 80 years of age. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 101. Irving Berlin was an American patriot whose love,loyalty,respect, and gratitude for this great country are reflected so clearly in lyrics of this masterpiece. The same feeling should swell in the hearts of every American citizen no matter the race or religion when we hear any hymn honoring our country. And this should be our prayer,for God to bless,protect, and guide America.

[@oldnewenglander]

This is the way the song should be sung--not as an anthem, but as a prayer.

[@Lampshade51]

Just a reminder that Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin) was an immigrant from Russia. Also born in Russia was Al Jolson (born Asa Yoelson) and Louis B. Mayer of MGM (born Lazar Meir). These immigrants helped display and shape the dynamism and patriotism of America in the 20th Century.

[@bernhardstramann6618]

Also Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker

[@user-fp3pu2do1i]

You forgot to tell us that he is Jewish.

[@23Sunrise]

Jewish too no less

[@Salamwamat]

How would America culture. music. literature, movie show were look like without Jews? Any guess?

[@user-fp3pu2do1i]

@@Salamwamat Nationality is not important.Individual people of this nationality are important.Who have talent.A spoonful of honey is important, not the whole barrel of tar.

[@bh5606]

Here is someone who knows how important America is to the world.

[@daughterofjerusalem8483]

His name was Israel Baline, the son of a cantor in Russia. If anyone loved America, it was Irving Berlin, who knew what America stood for.

[@Prancer1231]

@SHICOFF1 I think he sang very nicely.

[@mehermusic2154]

Well he did write the lyrics and music to this song....

[@Lokh66]

Daughter of Jerusalem 🇺🇸

[@susannahwhite7561]

Aaaaaamen!

[@jeanpalumbo3411]

That wasn't the only great song that he wrote many songs that he wrote was all about his love for America we should also say God bless Irving Berlin🇺🇸🗽

[@robertRFH]

Deeply moving to see, how a 80 years old Irving Berlin sings this song with so much emotion and almost like a prayer on his lips... he knew, that in his time only America could have made way for a career and life as he had for a jewish immigrant from Russia... God bless America and all good things, it stands for. Greetings from Munich, Germany.

[@ryanveyr9195]

7 years later but well said. Lol

[@oDon44]

@@ryanveyr9195 Another three year and agree.

[@schimpansen7630]

And one more time... aus Ostdeutschland 😄

[@leeinvegas]

Who could give it a thumbs down . Shame on you people . This is Irving Berlin a great American composer.

[@johnfleischmann5254]

To be sung by a Patriot and then accompanied by the purist of patriot's, NOW THAT"S AMERICA!

[@rochellewarren6219]

I shared this vd with my friend along with my adventures. We were both Brownies & Girl Scouts in the same troop. We would sing this song with pride. She reminded me, "ok Ms Brownie & Girlscout, we were aged & live somewhere safe."

[@guydavidknollcomedy]

As a second generation Jewish American this really brings a tear to my eye. Irving Berlin having such love for the country that welcomed him in is so beautiful

[@firstlast9292]

Imperial Russia wasn't a fun place for Jews. And the communist Soviet Union that preached equality wasn't that much better.

[@paulmiller5228]

I am 60 and cry when hear this.

[@jimcovington8022]

for sure - who cut the onions

[@TresLanes]

What an inspiration his life was. I'm 62 but still too young to really "know" his music. He was incredibly blessed with the gift of song crafting and never stopped loving the country that, in his words, "allowed" him to succeed in life. If we could all be so lucky! God rest your soul, Mr. Berlin!!

[@RAMROD4708]

America's greatest composer of popular music.

[@RAMROD4708]

@@Billy219 Agreed.

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

It’s been 20 years now, since my family and I first set foot in this wonderful free land , America. We’ve learned English, played our taxes, my folks bought a home, I became an Eagle Scout and even studied and payed for my own university studies. We love this land. It’s our home. May god bless America, land that I love.

[@mjleger4555]

YOU, AlexZ, my friend, are the kind of immigrants that our wonderful Country really needs! May you and your family continue to live and prosper here in your Country and mine!

[@tricianindel7909]

This song should have been our National Anthem. It is so beautiful.

[@MsAncar526]

Those generations were and are Heroes. God Bless the United States of America!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA....... WE LOVE YOU

[@BobAcoustic]

Irv never claimed to be a singer. That being said, I've never seen this song sung with so much feeling before. Irv singing the words he wrote himself. Instead of the fireworks, eagles, and waving flage usually associated with this song, I saw a man singing a love song to his country. I think seeing this has given me a deeper understanding of both the song and its composer.

[@jeffneis553]

This man was a musical genius absolutely!

[@grtski]

When our Nation was Great and Strong.

[@kenyongray2615]

Irving Berlin could not sing a single note, but it sure did sound beautiful to me.

[@princessdumbarton9877]

I thought he sang great.

[@mikekochendorfer7965]

His voice broke as he fought tears, that's love!

[@gerryread2002]

I am very proud to be an American! There is no where on the face of God's green Earth that I would want to live.

[@murrayannandale]

I'm crying with tears running down my face while listening to this from South Africa. You had everything and gave it away to people who seek to destroy you. Meanwhile we sit here every night wondering if we will be attacked next.

[@dhelton40]

1888 to 1989 age 101 He outlived many of his copyrights.

[@TimothyStapay]

Irving Berlin donated the royalties for his song to the Boy Scouts of America, according to the Library of Congress web site; and proceeds were also contributed to the Girl Scouts of America organization. 🇺🇸

[@bmbutler2]

What a true treasure he was. I'm so glad he isn't here to see what people are trying to do to his beloved country.

[@davidgee11]

Irving Berlin, one of the best of Americans.

[@n0denz]

Irving Berlin is a cornerstone of America. This song may as well be our unofficial national anthem.

[@mehermusic2154]

It SHOULD be the National Anthem, instead of that "bombs bursting in air" shite

[@amadoulaminendiaye7824]

@@mehermusic2154 This land is your land of Woody Guthrie

[@michaelangelos9153]

Between Berlin, Souza, and Cohan are the cornerstone of our great country’s music.

[@hans6585]

It did used to be our anthem for a short period of time

[@miked1765]

@@hans6585 Yep, or was it America the Beautiful?

[@Swhothgra]

A true American would treasure

[@jovanjimenez3899]

God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home

[@steveselenfirend8862]

Thanks for your effort to share all the lyrics.

[@mikeylejan8849]

This song is his love song for America for giving him the chance of making something of his life, he didn’t even expect this to happen, since he was born in Siberia with no bright future there. It was America who gave him the chance to start a new life.

[@911vidaeterna]

MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG IN MY WHOLE LIFE SONG THAT HAS MEANING THANK YOU IRVING ❤❤❤TO YOUR LOVED ONES ✝️✝️✝️🛐🛐🛐🛐🇨🇱❤️🇱🇷❤️❤️❤️❤️🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷✨✨✨

[@richardmcleod5967]

This statement from Irving Berlin quoted below is worth quoting again...........If anyone loved America, it was Irving Berlin, who knew what America stood for.

[@DiegoMartinez-zi7hv]

I´m from Argentine, but this is a beautiful and great song, and God Bless Irving Berlin and America ❤

[@kevinharkin8334]

I never heard Irving Berlin sing God bless america he wrote the song called White Christmas and made it into a Film Called Classic White Christmas and Everyone who sing it

[@zekekresco3443]

Irving Berlin lived to be 101!

[@jeanpalumbo3411]

How he loved America

[@alyssachantaychampagne2773]

@Daniel De saint malo Sorry to burst your bubble but that's all she had

[@ronaldfazekas6492]

When asked what Irving Berlin's place was in American music, the answer was "He has no place in American music--he IS American music"

[@mjleger4555]

Irving Berlin gave us so much incomparable music over the years, it really pulled my heartstrings (and my eyes leak!) to see him, at age 80, singing his song, OUR SONG too, and then the orchestra, and children's choir singing was so touching! Thanks for sharing this gem with us!

[@Firsk]

It is a perfect little song, isn't it? And for a person of his age, his voice was magnificent. God bless Irving Berlin.

[@Raider577]

He was amazing for someone who could only play in one key and couldn't read music.

[@davidzweiban5549]

It's time we started singing this at all public events.

[@normalperson7687]

You can see and hear the beauty of Irving Berlin- A great lover of our country. We were so lucky his misfortune brought him here.

[@678way]

God bless you Mister Berlin. What a gift you gave us. America loves you.

[@zohar1099]

LOVE this song!We have been blessed, so let's not reject God. The USA is the best home on earth. We're lucky to have this amazing country!Thank you Irving Berlin for all your contributions,

[@paulmiller5228]

Crying? Yes I am.

[@craiglanigan3384]

Me too, right when the Boy & Girl Scouts came in. Loving America for what she stands for, is to love God. He is 81 in this clip. Truly a magnificent man. -Craig Lanigan

[@maybudha]

Me too. On July 4th 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@delusionaldragon42]

This man was inspiring. He lived to be 101. Amazing.

[@zlauriault]

This is likely most closely how Irving Berlin, a Jewish immigrant from Russian-occupied land, would've sung it in his Yiddish-speaking community. The sound of love and gratitude is in this. Israel Beilin (Irving Berlin's real name) grew up in the Pale of Settlement in a shetl called Tolochin.

[@zlauriault]

(Wouldn't been sung in Yiddish, but English. Jews are one minority most acquainted with being suppressed, lied about, targeted with myths and canards, and killed, and still with millenia of violence still have a heart to help heal the world and emphasis on social awareness. Jews were the ally of black Americans during the US Civil Rights movement and still are. Sadly it is being forgotten.)

[@user-ss6tq3yo8r]

You have hard time admitting that Siberia is part of Russia for centuries. None of us, living there feels like being occupied. Cope

[@rc653]

I remember singing this in elementary school in the mornings during one of my classes.

[@JohnnyArcher007]

As a American, generations past and present a family member of yours may have served in the armed service who fought for our freedom we have today. Selfless and true our hero’s deserve our gratitude. God bless America.

[@lewwilliams9617]

God Bless Irving Berlin.

[@henryst1]

A great moment in American television, provided by the greatest songwriter of all-time.

[@SuperPindos]

THIS should be the National Anthem. I have no idea why it isn't.

[@steveselenfirend8862]

Bexcause he was a Jew !

[@francesnicolais6475]

Unbelievable. This really shows patriotism. In any year.

[@KeepingtheMagicAlive]

Wow, to hear Irving Berlin himself sing that. What a treat!

[@MrDonPc]

Listen to This Land is Your Land Song by Woody Guthrie

[@steveselenfirend8862]

And that's number two!

[@etrimbleable]

This is a rare treat to see the great Irving Berlin performing one of his gazillion master pieces.

[@marshallbowen8693]

I don’t think we realized back then when we were watching Ed Sullivan how important his show would become for the introduction and preservation of contemporary American culture. Everyone appeared on it. When Elvis first appeared there was opposition to his pelvic gyrations . No one knew just how famous and important he and his music would become.

[@fasbc]

This so deserves millions of viewings.

[@yakovgorelik4679]

У меня,как у израильского еврея в первом поколении при исполнении гимна Израиля "А тиква" текут слезы.Я знаю,что за этим стоит.И настоящим гимном евреев всего мира должен стать и есть наш гимн.Бог,храни Израиль.И те евреи,кто забывает об этом,не редко жалеют об этом

[@steveselenfirend8862]

H O P E today more than ever!

[@foomanchu7414]

Our most beautiful Anthem we have.

[@bradyjones3087]

God bless America. Thanks Irving for writing this. God bless America!

[@majorbarbara1]

One of America's greatest patriots and songwriters!

[@perpetual61]

There ought to be a Irving Berlin Holiday because he wrote so many Patriotic Songs and is to me considered to be the greatest songwriter ever. I can't imagine Christmas without " White Christmas " . Easter without " The Easter Parade." This man is an American Institution.

[@perpetual61]

@Corno di Bassetto You're right it's called " Ive Got Plenty to be Thankful For " which Bing Crosby sang in the 1942 Movie Holiday Inn which had numerous Irving Berlin Songs.

[@jefam3]

So ironic that arguably the two best-known modern Christmas songs were written by a fellow MOT (Member of the Tribe).

[@jillk368]

@@jefam3 Actually, Cohan was Irish. Berlin was Jewish. LOL. As they say - what's in a name?

[@jefam3]

@@jillk368 Leave it to a MOT to mix up holidays he doesn't celebrate.l misspoke here. I was thinking of Berlin's writing "White Christmas" and "Easter Parade;" but when you consider that "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer was also written by a MOT (Johnny Marks), I was inadvertently correct after all.

[@dorememe8548]

Not only that, but he was an atheist too. 🥰🥰🥰

[@terriseverson3873]

I read a post that claimed he never earned royalties from the song, he considered it a gift to America

[@CynVee]

Who in God's name could give this clip a thumbs down? Haters... Irving Berlin, a genius. What have you done with your life? Sometimes ppl you have to look past the obvious and see the heart of things. This clip is nothing but heart. Thank you.

[@isabelleon3360]

I don't think they know who he is...

[@vincentsartain3061]

CynVee, the "thumbs down haters" might include bots in their numbers, but as for the rest, they can all go to "you know where" as far as I'm concerned. People who hate their own nation abound today; and I long for the day in which we can give them all one way tickets for passage to any other country their little heart desires, so long as they renounce their American citizenship and NEVER AGAIN set foot on American soil FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.

[@enterprisebaby]

I would have given almost anything to have been in that episode, proudly wearing my Girl Scout uniform, singing that great song with the incomparable Irving Berlin. God bless him.

[@stevenbaer4979]

Irving Berlin wasn't a natural born American citizen but yet a Russian decent. But yet he had an American heart and made patriotic songs for America.

[@josecampos8243]

Thank you America!

[@ZXC5000]

I feel so lucky that we have had Irving Berlin amongst us. Thank You Sir

[@rochellewarren6219]

"BE PREPARED" Girl Scout & Boy Scout Motto♡

[@LIT70]

Happy Birthday, Mr. Berlin

[@SRSM198]

Sung so sincerely by the great composer himself I love it

[@joesparacino5329]

The author singing it himself. He's a WW 1 veteran folks.

[@Prancer1231]

@SHICOFF1 Damn Yankees.

[@resell_enjoy6]

This was recorded at his birthday party

[@____username____]

I mean not really a veteran…he was hired to write songs….not fight.

[@janetlourian8748]

God bless this sweet man.

[@shawnmcginnity3786]

We need this America back

[@Sengchanthra]

God bless America

[@pamelajohnson834]

And God Bless you, Isreal Baline.

[@juliewarrington4247]

Well sung

[@bradleyscarton3931]

No matter how many renditions I’ve heard, this version will always be my favorite.

[@normalperson7687]

Because it's the best version, sung with heart by the man who wrote it, with heart.

[@kingusmcgee]

Now that's the way it oughtta be sung. Berlin's phrasing is the best.

[@garyroberts8742]

God bless this man.

[@BrendanTheGent]

Gosh i love my country. Even with her faults she is still the best

[@kingdpsht1]

Fifty years ago!! God bless America! RIP Irving Berlin and his Russian heritage. A true patriot...

[@alexanderbusen7868]

Belarusian*

[@irvingkohen7995]

He scape from the progroms of Rusia, no Rusian blood ,

[@abitateach]

This video ought to be aired on every major network a.s.a.p. Americans need thier pride back and maybe this could inspire that. God bless Mr. Berlin's patriotism and talents!

[@jeanpalumbo3411]

We should all tweet CNN to put this video on all day we know Fox News would be very happy to do it thank you Irving Berlin and thank your mother for giving you the inspiration because she always would say God Bless America she did a good job

[@Lava1964]

The networks are part of the problem. They promote garbage that undermines America.

[@johnb332]

This show was to celebrate Irving Berlin's 80th birthday.

[@VITODO]

GOD bless America🇺🇸👏

[@1991ROLEX]

I always cry watching this, after all these years, so do. May he rest in peace and may his memory be blessed.

[@andrewh1737]

Hi sandra

[@chevychase]

What a precious moment! One of our greatest songwriters, and a very dear man.

[@iVenge]

When America was great.

[@thefallen9074]

He lived another 31 years after this, quite an innings he had.

[@JordanAP96]

Yes, God Bless America!

[@henrythecat3094]

This song makes me cry. GOD BLESS AMERICA PLEASE SAVE US 🇺🇸 🙏

[@jacobs.9230]

MAY thee always be remembered for such a wonderful song

[@robe1712]

God bless Irving Berlin for ever.

[@jesselancaster7]

He Helped America almost as much As America helped him

[@othellorazon3320]

Oh my goodness, GOOSEBUMPS!!! Thank you so much Mr. Irving Berlin for all the immortal songs you have shared to humanity. This one, GOD BLESS AMERICA is the best of them all.