Irving Berlin is American music." Ironically, "God Bless America" began life as a rejected number for "Yip! Yip! Yaphank," a traveling revue Berlin had put together in 1918 to drum up patriotism ...

Patriotism is at the heart of America ... 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” It tugs on the heartstrings and crescendos with a dramatic orchestra, gospel choir, and a trembling drum line.