The Nation - News from Sept. 25, 1989

About 150 people, some of them in tears, paid tribute to the late Irving Berlin with a candlelight song tribute, gathering outside the Manhattan home where he died Friday and singing such classics as “Always,” “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.” Among those who took part were Sallie Wilson of the American Ballet Theater and singer Marti Stevens. The tribute was organized by composer-cabaret entertainer John Wallowitch, a neighbor of Berlin, and dancer-choreographer Bertram Ross. “A lot of people showed up--more than I expected,” Wallowitch said. “It was very teary. A lot of people were crying and sobbing.”