Alexander's Ragtime Band
(Iriving Berlin; 1911)

• The idea for this song came to Berlin while he was shaving one morning.
• The song was very popular in the early 30's. In fact, between 1932-34 it was played on five different radio stations 220 times.
• Irving Berlin's real name was Israel Baline.
• Berlin left home at 14 to sing and play piano in saloons. He also worked as a singing waiter.
• Berling added words to this piece after the Friars Club extended him an invitation if he produced a novelty.
• Within a year of being published this song became one of the fastest selling sheet music pieces in popular music history.

Close Window