George Gershwin
- Born:
- Jacob Gershwine, September 26, 1898, Brooklyn, New York City, NY, USA
- Died:
- July 11, 1937, Hollywood, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Pianist
Early Life and Education
- Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents.
- Initially showed little interest in music until his family acquired a piano.
- Studied piano with Charles Hambitzer.
- Briefly studied harmony and musical theory with Edward Kilenyi and Rubin Goldmark.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a song plugger on Tin Pan Alley.
- First major success was the song "Swanee," popularized by Al Jolson.
- Collaborated extensively with his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin.
- Composed numerous Broadway musicals and popular songs.
- Successfully bridged the gap between popular and classical music.
- Notable for incorporating elements of jazz and blues into his compositions.
- The creation of a document, the subject being akin to 'marcy heisler biography of george', would involve listing accomplishments like these.
Notable Works
Broadway Musicals
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Lady, Be Good! | 1924 |
| Oh, Kay! | 1926 |
| Funny Face | 1927 |
| Girl Crazy | 1930 |
| Of Thee I Sing | 1931 |
| Porgy and Bess | 1935 |
Orchestral Works
- Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
- Piano Concerto in F (1925)
- An American in Paris (1928)
- Second Rhapsody (1931)
- Cuban Overture (1932)
Selected Songs
- "I Got Rhythm"
- "Someone to Watch Over Me"
- "Embraceable You"
- "The Man I Love"
- "Summertime" (from Porgy and Bess)
- "They Can't Take That Away from Me"
Legacy and Impact
George Gershwin remains one of America's most influential and beloved composers. His innovative fusion of classical, jazz, and popular music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His works are frequently performed and studied, cementing his place in musical history.