Anita Gillette, David Lee Harris Photo

From: Photo Flash: Anita Gillette Celebrates Irving Berlin at Birdland!

On Sunday and Monday nights, Broadway/television star Anita Gillette had a ball celebrating Irving Berlin.  Of course, she sang many Berlin standards, and a few unearthed gems.  But that's not what made the evening extra-special.  You see, Anita had a real-life friendship with the composer.  It all started during the creation of a Broadway show called Mr. President, written by Berlin, and starring Gillette.