07/04/2026
In recognition of 250 years of American independence, here is Irving Berlin's "God Bless America", including the rarely played intro. Berlin composed the song in 1918 but tucked it away in a drawer until 1938 on the eve of WWII. Kate Smith sang it on the radio and it was an instant hit. I played this on the Shantz pipe organ at Corpus Christi church in Columbus. Wishing a safe and happy 250th Independence Day to all!