Gershwin, George | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

George Gershwin

Born September 26, 1898 (Brooklyn, New York)
Died July 11, 1937 (Hollywood, California)

Composer and pianist

George Gershwin was one of the best-known and most important figures in the musical history of the United States. He played a key role in the Roaring Twenties, for his music played an important part in this exciting decade. Writing for the Broadway stage, Gershwin (along with his brother Ira [1896–1983], who provided the lyrics) kept people humming along to such songs as "I Got Rhythm," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." In fact, many of the songs the Gershwins made popular in the 1920s are still sung and enjoyed today. Gershwin's more serious compositions, especially his most famous, the acclaimed Rhapsody in Blue, combined the older traditions of classical and operatic music with elements of the new musical forms of jazz and blues. Gershwin helped to establish and promote these uniquely American contributions to the world's musical heritage.

The Talented Child of Immigrants

Part of what makes George Gershwin's story so interesting is his status as the child of immigrant parents who came to the United States in search of better lives for their children.

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