The Little-Known Inspirations Behind the World’s Greatest Hits

Irving Berlin, a 38-year-old Jewish-American songwriter, married 22-year-old Catholic heiress Ellin Mackay in a scandalous affair. Disowned by her tycoon father, Berlin compensated by signing over his hit “Always” royalties to her, securing a prosperous future.

Against all odds, including attempts by Ellin’s father to stop their marriage by sending her to Europe, Berlin, and Mackay wed in 1926 amid religious and age differences. Their love immortalized in the song “Always” lasted over 60 years until Ellin’s 1988 passing, cementing Berlin’s legacy as a legendary American songwriter.