Composer Paper: George Gershwin

Krissy Peterson B1

George Gershwin, one of the greatest American composers lived in a period in-between
the classical and romantic eras. His music, which has great variety, embodies much of this
transitional era. Gershwin was a composer of humble beginnings, he began as a musician at the
age of 15, and by the time of his early death had written countless compositions. After his death
he was nominated for four Grammys and won two, along with countless other awards.(3)
Gershwin’s music, since his early death, has not been silenced; his music appears in countless
movies, tv shows and has been, and will yet be performed by musicians for a long time to come.

George Gershwin was born, Jacob Gershowitz, to his parents Rosa and Moshe, Russian
immigrants, on September 26, 1898, in Brooklyn-New York. His brother, Ira was born 2 years
earlier in 1896, two younger siblings, Arthur and Francis completed the family.(5) George first
showed an affinity for music when his family bought a second hand piano, intended for his
brother Ira. George soon found a mentor and a teacher in Charles Hambitzer, who claimed that
had found a “new pupil who will make his mark if anybody will. The boy is a genius.”(2)

Four years after George began piano he dropped out of school at age 15 and began to
play piano as a “song-plugger” in nightclubs and for extra cash worked as a rehearsal pianist for
Broadway singers. Although his career had started in the “Tin Pan Alley” of New York,
Gershwin trained with many professionals including: Henry Cowell, Wallingford Riegger,
Edward Kilenyi and Joseph Schillinger.(2)

After three years as a “song-plugger” Gershwin composed his first published song,
although “When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em; When You Have 'Em, You Don't Want
'Em”(whew) was not an instant hit, he still continued in composition.(2) His first great hit was
written in 1919, a year after being hired by Harms Inc., “Swanee” (with words by Irving Caesar)
was introduced by Al Jolson in his musical: “Sinbad.”

One of his most revered works in his time (and now) was the great “Rhapsody in Blue,” a
song commissioned by Paul Whiteman an influential bandleader of the time. “Rhapsody in
Blue” is one of the greatest examples of his “between the periods” style because the song is a
classical song in the framework, with jazz and blues elements throughout. The piece also
signifies a leap in his development as a composer, being his first attempt at writing an extended
piece of music, and his debut as a large scale composer.(1)

George’s most influential musical drama was “Porgy and Bess,” based on the novel
“Porgy” by DuBose Heyward. The musical, a collaboration with Heyward and his brother Ira,
was written as a “folk opera” using many of the jazz and blues styles George was famous for.
The musical first was previewed in Boston, Massachusetts on September 30, 1935 and opened on
Broadway, October 10 a few weeks later.(6) “Porgy and Bess” was not originally successful and
closed shortly after it opened, it was not till later after his death that it had a revival of popularity,
and was made into a motion picture.(5)

Over the course of his music career George received many awards, the most notable
being his four Grammy nomination. The first nomination, received with his brother Ira was for
best original song in 1938, a year after his death. This nomination was for their work in “Shall
We Dance,” specifically the song “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” He later won
awards in 1998 and 2008 and received another nomination in 2013. He was made part of the
Grammy Hall of Fame for his pieces: An American In Paris, Porgy and Bess, and Rhapsody In
Blue.(3)

It is not only George’s awards that made his music stand out, but his various
collaborations. Many of his musical scores were written with lyrics by his brother Ira, they had
worked together on countless movies and musicals. Earlier mentioned he collaborated with
author DuBose Heyward and his brother to create the musical “Porgy and Bess.”(5) He also was
commissioned by George White to write several songs for use in his popular “George White
Scandal” series. Also, afore mentioned is “Rhapsody in Blue,” one of his very first commissions
for a classical jazz piece, by Paul Whiteman.(5)

George still has a major place in the music culture today, his pieces are featured in
movies, commercials and is studied and played by high school and college students. Some
notable uses of his songs includes “Someone to Watch Over Me” which has been featured in
media from commercials for H&R Block to My Little Pony and Star Trek episodes. His song
“I got Rhythm” was used in Visa credit card commercials. His work has has also been featured
in movies such as “Mr. Hollands Opus,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me”.(5)

The reason that George Gershwin’s music is still popular today often has to do with the
versatility of his musical style. He wrote not only classical jazz and blues, but also numerous
musicals. These scores become well known through their catchy tunes (thanks to George) and
memorable lyrics (thanks to Ira).(5)

George never married. In the years before his death, he lived in Hollywood working with
his brother Ira on many musical films, 9 in total. His last movie was, “The Goldwyn Follies,”
which he died during production. In his years before Hollywood he lived in New York where he
wrote a total of 31 musical theatricals most of them performed on Broadway.(6) He died on July
11, 1937 after an unsuccessful attempt to remove a brain tumor.(5) A few years later John
O’Hara commented on his untimely death “George Gershwin died July 11, 1937, but I don’t
have to believe it if I don’t want to.”
 George Gershwin died very young, we can only imagine what other works he would have
been able to complete if it were not for his untimely death. One of his most notable
achievements is his contribution to Jazz. He changed how people saw it and gave it a new
respectability and popularity.(2) George Gershwin was a talented musical genius in his time and
now. His many works have inspired and invigorated not only musicians but, dancers, actors,
even observers and listeners. His music still easily captivates the ear today as it did when he was
alive, if not more.
 Citations

1) BOURNE, M. K. (2004). George Gershwin. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/George_Gershwin.aspx

2) B. (n.d.). George Gershwin Biography. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

http://www.biography.com/people/george-gershwin-9309643

3) GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

https://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#g

4)George Gershwin. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006097/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

5) Gershwinfan.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

http://www.gershwinfan.com/George.html

6)George Gershwin - Gershwin. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from

http://gershwin.com/george/