Irving Berlin, one of the 20th century's most prolific and enduring songwriters, returns to the spotlight Dec. 26 when "A&E Biography" presents the two-hour "Irving Berlin: An American Song." Berlin, who died in 1989, wrote such songs as "White Christmas" and "God Bless, America" in a career that included playing in New York City dives and bars, peddling ragtime tunes in Tin Pan Alley, to penning music and lyrics to Broadway revues (As Thousands Cheer), Hollywood films ("Holiday Inn, Top Hat") and Broadway musical comedies (Annie Get Your Gun, Louisiana Purchase).
He's currently represented on Broadway by the revised revival of Annie Get Your Gun, starring Bernadette Peters, at the Marquis Theatre.
Check local listings for exact time "Biography" is seen in your area on the A&E network.
-- By Kenneth Jones