The Backstory Behind Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek"

This morning, I was practicing Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" on alto sax, and I realized two things:

1. I don't know anything about the song.

2. I don't know anything about the composer.

It's difficult to interpret a song if you don't know anything about what inspired the composer to write it. Did the composer write the song from joy or pain? What was the composer trying to express? What inspiration or pressure was behind the composition of the song? How can I better interpret the song given my personal life experiences?

So I decided to sit down and do a lot of research so that I can better intepret, and better play, the song. In this article, I'll share my research.

Who was Irving Berlin? What did he accomplish and what life challenges did he face and overcome?
Irving Berlin was one of the most influential and celebrated American songwriters of the 20th century. Born Israel Beilin on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russia, he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of five. They fled the anti-Jewish pogroms of the Russian Empire and settled in the Lower East Side of New York City. Life was difficult. His family was poor, and after his father died when Berlin was still a child, he took on various jobs to help support the household, including selling newspapers and working as a singing waiter.

Despite never learning to read or write music in the traditional way, and having no formal education beyond elementary school, Berlin taught himself to play piano and compose. He could only play in the key of F-sharp using the black keys, and he used a specially modified piano with a transposing lever to play in other keys. To get his songs published and orchestrated, he relied on musical secretaries to transcribe his ideas. What he lacked in technical training, he more than made up for with melody, lyricism, and an uncanny ability to capture the spirit of the times.

Berlin went on to write over 1,500 songs, including some of the most iconic in American history. Among his best-known works are “God Bless America,” “White Christmas,” “There's No Business Like Show Business,” “Blue Skies,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” He composed for more than twenty Broadway shows and fifteen Hollywood films. His song “White Christmas” remains the best-selling single of all time. Berlin's ability to adapt to the shifting styles of American popular music allowed him to remain relevant for more than sixty years. He wrote patriotic songs, ballads, show tunes, and dance numbers that defined eras and brought comfort during wars and depressions.

His life was not without personal hardship. Berlin's first wife, Dorothy Goetz, died of typhoid fever just months after their wedding. Years later, he and his second wife, Ellin Mackay, experienced the tragic death of one of their children in infancy. His marriage to Ellin, a Catholic and heiress to a wealthy family, caused scandal and estrangement due to the religious and social divides of the time. Yet, they remained married for over sixty years. Berlin also served in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he wrote and performed in the revue Yip Yip Yaphank, which raised money and morale for the troops. During World War II, he reworked “God Bless America” into the patriotic anthem it is known as today.

Irving Berlin died in 1989 at the age of 101. His remarkable life story, rising from poverty as a Jewish immigrant to become one of America's most enduring musical voices, is often held up as a shining example of the American dream. He overcame social barriers, personal loss, and the limitations of his own musical literacy to create songs that touched millions and continue to be performed today.

What inspired Berlin to write Cheek to Cheek, and what challenges did he overcome to complete the song?
Irving Berlin wrote "Cheek to Cheek" in 1935 for the RKO musical film Top Hat, which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The studio asked Berlin to contribute several original songs for the film, and "Cheek to Cheek" was intended to serve as the romantic centerpiece. Berlin composed the song quickly under pressure, knowing that the film needed a signature number that would highlight Astaire and Rogers’s chemistry. His inspiration came from the needs of the movie itself. He wanted to write something dreamy, elegant, and joyful that would elevate the dance sequence into something emotionally memorable.

One of the main challenges Berlin faced was the tight deadline. Movie productions moved quickly, and he had to deliver a standout song that would fit perfectly within the tone and pacing of the film. Despite being under pressure, he managed to craft a simple but emotionally resonant lyric. The opening line, “Heaven, I’m in heaven,” captures the intoxication of love in a way that feels timeless and sincere.

There were also challenges during filming. Ginger Rogers disliked the feathered dress she wore in the “Cheek to Cheek” scene because it shed feathers all over the set, frustrating both her and Fred Astaire. Despite the tension and multiple takes required to complete the sequence, the performance became iconic. The song and the dance were so well received that they helped elevate Top Hat to box office success and turned "Cheek to Cheek" into one of Berlin’s most beloved songs.

Berlin’s ability to work within creative constraints, deliver under pressure, and express deep emotional content through simple language helped him overcome these challenges. “Cheek to Cheek” became a number one hit for eleven weeks and remains one of the defining songs of the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

Did Berlin's Jewish heritage cause him any career difficulties, and how did overcoming those difficulties influence his music writing?
Irving Berlin's Jewish heritage did present challenges during his career, especially early on, as he navigated an American society that was often hostile toward immigrants and openly antisemitic. Born in Russia and raised in a poor Jewish family on the Lower East Side of New York City, Berlin faced both social and cultural barriers. In the early 20th century, many public institutions and industries in the United States, including entertainment, were dominated by people who discriminated against Jews. Despite his immense talent, Berlin had to overcome stereotypes and limited opportunities that were often placed on Jewish artists.

One way Berlin dealt with these obstacles was by embracing a broad, inclusive vision of American identity. He wrote songs that resonated with people from all backgrounds, often focusing on themes like love, optimism, and patriotism. For example, his song “God Bless America” is one of the most iconic expressions of national pride in American history, written by a Jewish immigrant who deeply believed in the country’s ideals. Rather than dwell on exclusion, Berlin used his music to bridge divides and unite listeners.

His experiences as an outsider helped him to develop a unique sensitivity to the emotions and struggles of ordinary people. This is reflected in the simplicity, honesty, and accessibility of his lyrics. Berlin's songs avoided pretense and connected with millions of listeners because they spoke to shared human experiences. His ability to rise above prejudice and write music that brought people together is a key reason why his work has endured for more than a century.

Who were some people who were inspired by Cheek to Cheek? This can include musicians, songwriters, actors etc.
"Cheek to Cheek" has inspired generations of musicians, songwriters, actors, and performers since it first appeared in the 1935 film Top Hat. The original performance by Fred Astaire left a lasting impression on dancers and actors who admired his effortless style, grace, and emotional expression. Ginger Rogers, who danced the iconic routine with Astaire, helped to make the scene unforgettable and influenced countless film actresses with her charm and presence.

Among musicians, Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most notable artists to be inspired by the song. Her version of "Cheek to Cheek," recorded with Louis Armstrong, gave the song new life in the world of jazz and introduced it to a wider audience. Their interpretation became a standard in its own right and inspired other jazz musicians to explore Berlin's work. Tony Bennett, who often spoke about the influence of the Great American Songbook, included "Cheek to Cheek" in his performances and recorded a memorable version of the song with Lady Gaga. Their duet brought the song to a new generation and showed its timeless appeal.

Instrumentalists have also been drawn to the song. Saxophonists, pianists, and big band leaders across decades have interpreted "Cheek to Cheek" because of its elegant melody and rich harmonic structure. Artists such as Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Peggy Lee, and Sarah Vaughan each left their mark on the song with unique arrangements and vocal interpretations.

Film directors and choreographers have also paid tribute to the original Top Hat sequence by referencing or echoing its style in other movies. The elegance and romanticism of the "Cheek to Cheek" scene helped define a golden era of Hollywood musicals and continues to inspire visual storytelling today. Whether through music, dance, or film, "Cheek to Cheek" remains a source of artistic inspiration nearly a century after its creation.

What was the basic story told by the Cheek to Cheek lyrics?
The basic story told by the lyrics of "Cheek to Cheek" is one of romantic joy and emotional escape. The singer expresses pure happiness at being close to the person they love, especially while dancing together. The act of dancing cheek to cheek becomes a metaphor for intimacy, harmony, and emotional connection. The lyrics paint a picture of two people so deeply in love that being together makes them feel like they are in heaven, far removed from the troubles of the world.

The song begins with the line “Heaven, I’m in heaven,” immediately establishing the dreamlike state that love creates. The lyrics go on to describe how nothing else seems to matter when the couple is dancing closely. Even things that normally cause stress or worry disappear when they are together. The singer finds complete peace and joy in the simple act of holding their partner while they dance.

Overall, the story is not complex, but it is emotionally rich. It captures the timeless feeling of being so happy in love that everything else fades away. Irving Berlin managed to express this universal experience in a few simple, graceful lines, which is part of what has made the song endure for generations.

What are some key tips to master playing Cheek to Cheek in all keys on the alto saxophone? When I say to master playing it, I'm talking holistically: interpreting the song well, playing it in tune, and telling a great story with the saxophone performance.
To master playing "Cheek to Cheek" in all keys on the alto saxophone, you need to approach the song with both technical discipline and emotional intention. Start by learning the melody thoroughly in the original key. Memorize it, sing it, and internalize the phrasing before attempting to transpose. This helps ensure that the musical line remains expressive and natural, no matter what key you are in. Use your ear as much as your fingers. Sing every phrase before you play it, so that you maintain a strong connection between your musical voice and your instrument.

Next, focus on intonation. As you move through different keys, your saxophone will respond differently across its range. Use a tuner to check your pitch, especially on notes that are typically sharp or flat on the alto saxophone. Practice long tones and slow, lyrical playing in each key so that you can adjust your embouchure and air support as needed. A performance of "Cheek to Cheek" should sound smooth and even across all registers.

Pay close attention to dynamics, articulation, and vibrato. These elements help you to tell a story with your saxophone. Think about the emotions behind each phrase. What does the character singing the song feel? Joy, warmth, tenderness? Let those feelings shape your tone and phrasing. For instance, use a warm vibrato on long notes to create a sense of intimacy, and taper your dynamics at the ends of phrases to make them feel like complete thoughts.

When transposing, do not rush. Take it one key at a time, and treat each key as an opportunity to explore the melody from a new emotional angle. Use backing tracks or accompaniment to stay grounded in harmony and rhythm, and practice improvising around the melody in each key to strengthen your flexibility. This will help you keep the performance fresh and emotionally responsive.

Finally, listen to great recordings of the song, both vocal and instrumental. Absorb how artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Tony Bennett phrase the lyrics and communicate emotion. Try to reflect those qualities in your playing, not by copying, but by letting them influence your own interpretation. Your goal is not just to play the notes, but to take the listener on an emotional journey, key by key.

When interpreting Cheek to Cheek, what emotions and life experiences might help the saxophonist to play and interpret the song better?
When interpreting "Cheek to Cheek" on the saxophone, the most important emotions to draw from are joy, affection, peace, and emotional closeness. The lyrics describe the experience of being so happy and in love that everything else fades away. To bring this out in your playing, think about times in your life when you felt completely at ease, completely safe, or completely connected to another person. This might be a memory of dancing with someone you love, sitting quietly with someone who understands you, or even holding a child or a pet and feeling a sense of deep contentment.

Romantic experiences can be especially helpful. If you’ve ever been in love, think about those early moments of closeness when everything felt light and new. That excitement, that nervous happiness, is at the heart of this song. If you have memories of slow dancing or simply enjoying someone’s presence, those feelings can shape how you phrase the melody, how you shape the vibrato, and how much breath you give each line.

If you haven't experienced romantic love, think about other forms of joy. Maybe you remember a day when everything just felt right—a celebration, a family moment, a peaceful walk, or a moment of accomplishment. Let that happiness enter your tone. Even if the memory is quiet, it can still inspire a warm and gentle sound that captures the emotional core of the song.

Above all, the performance should sound sincere. "Cheek to Cheek" is not flashy. It’s not about showing off technique. It’s about taking the listener into a moment of emotional truth. The more you connect with your own experiences of happiness, affection, and peace, the more your performance will feel alive and honest.