Biography
George Gershwin, born Jacob Gershowitz on September 26, 1898, in Brooklyn, New York, was a pioneering American composer and pianist whose work bridged the worlds of jazz, popular music, and classical composition. Dropping out of school at 15, Gershwin quickly immersed himself in the vibrant New York music scene, working as a pianist in nightclubs, a 'song-plugger' in Tin Pan Alley, and a rehearsal pianist for Broadway productions. His early exposure to diverse musical styles laid the foundation for his unique ability to blend jazz idioms with classical forms. By 1916, he published his first song, and his career rapidly ascended with hits like 'Rhapsody in Blue' (1924), 'An American in Paris' (1928), and the folk opera 'Porgy and Bess' (1935), which became one of the most important American musical works of the 20th century.
Gershwin's musical style was marked by rhythmic vitality, melodic inventiveness, and a seamless fusion of popular and classical elements. He collaborated closely with his lyricist brother Ira, producing numerous Broadway musicals and enduring standards such as 'Embraceable You' and 'I Got Rhythm.' His work attracted admiration from classical composers like Maurice Ravel and Sergey Prokofiev, and his compositions have become jazz standards and film classics. Despite his tragically short life—he died of a brain tumor in 1937 at age 38—Gershwin's legacy endures as a foundational figure in American music, influencing generations of composers and performers.
Fun Facts
- Gershwin composed 'Rhapsody in Blue' in just three weeks after reading a newspaper article announcing its premiere, having forgotten about the commission.
- He was a high school dropout but became one of the most influential composers in American history.
- Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' was initially a commercial failure but is now considered an American cultural classic.
- He made piano rolls for player pianos early in his career to earn extra money.
Associated Acts
- Gershwin Trio - piano (1920–1920)
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Charles Hambitzer - Piano teacher and early mentor who recognized Gershwin's talent and guided his musical development (Private instruction) [1913–1918]
- Henry Cowell - Avant-garde composer who inspired Gershwin's experimental approach to composition (Private lessons and mentorship) [1920s]
- Wallingford Riegger - Teacher who helped Gershwin master orchestral composition (Private instruction) [1920s]
- Edward Kilenyi Sr. - Harmony teacher who refined Gershwin's compositional technique (Private lessons) [1920s]
- Joseph Schillinger - Music theorist who taught Gershwin advanced compositional methods (Private instruction) [1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Ira Gershwin - Lyricist brother and lifelong collaborator (Broadway musicals, songs, 'Porgy and Bess') [1920s–1937]
- DuBose Heyward - Co-librettist and lyricist for 'Porgy and Bess' (Porgy and Bess) [1930s]
- Paul Whiteman - Conductor and bandleader who premiered 'Rhapsody in Blue' (Rhapsody in Blue) [1924]
Artists Influenced
- Leonard Bernstein - Admired Gershwin's fusion of jazz and classical music and cited him as an influence (West Side Story, symphonic works) [1940s–1980s]
- Aaron Copland - Respected Gershwin's ability to blend American idioms with classical forms (Appalachian Spring, Rodeo) [1930s–1970s]
- Duke Ellington - Cited Gershwin as an influence on his own orchestral jazz compositions (Black, Brown and Beige, orchestral suites) [1930s–1970s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| "Morning Mood" with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | 2025-05-26 | Album |
| Love Songs - Piano Transcriptions Without Words | 2021-07-02 | Album |
| All We Need Is Love (& Classical Music) - A Valentine's Day Collection | 2025-03-13 | Album |
| Concert of the Birds | 2025-06-30 | Album |
| Gershwin: Piano Works | 2005-03-24 | Album |
| Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue & An American in Paris | 1959 | Album |
| Hélène Grimaud & Friends - Fantasias | 2025-05-22 | Album |
| The Essential Joshua Bell | 1998 | Album |
| "Summer Fairy" - The Power of Music | 2025-06-25 | Album |
| A Musical Bestiary | 2025-10-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue & An American in Paris)
- Song Book: The Man I Love. Slow and in singing style (Gershwin: Piano Works)
- Rhapsody in Blue
- Rhapsody In Blue
- So Am I
- Rhapsody in Blue
- ガーシュイン：ラプソディ・イン・ブルー ドラマエンディングロングヴァージョン
- Rhapsody in Blue
- Porgy and Bess: Summertime - Arr. for Piano Solo
- ラプソディー･イン･ブルー
External Links
Tags: #american, #american-composer, #classical
References
Heard on WWOZ
George Gershwin has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | 08:18 | Rhapsody in Bluefrom Roaring '20s Jazz | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |