Irving Berlin is widely considered to be one of the greatest songwriters in American history, with … See more

The song "Some of These Days," written by Black ragtime and vaudeville composer Shelton Brooks, was first performed by Sophie Tucker. Brooks was inspired to write the so… See more

Another famous Shelton Brooks song that's in the public domain is "Darktown Strutters Ball." The tune, about a night out on the town, was one of the earliest crossover hits, becoming i… See more

Though the song "Jelly Roll Blues" may not be easily identifiable, it's an important part of American music history as it was the first jazz song to be published as sheet music. Up until tha… See more

One of the most enduring ballads on our list and currently in the public domain, "It Had To Be You" is about an individual realizing that despite all of their partner's faults there's no o… See more

Perhaps the most successful ballad to be written during the First World War, "Till We Meet Again" is about a soldier and his love saying goodbye, promising to meet again somewher… See more