George Gershwin

26 September 1898 – 11 July 1937

George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist whose works spanned popular and classical genres. He is best known for Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, the opera Porgy and Bess, and numerous songs written with his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with George Gershwin.

Life events

Born in Brooklyn, New York
26 September 1898

George Gershwin was born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Worked as a song plugger on Tin Pan Alley
1914

Gershwin left school to work as a pianist demonstrating new songs for a music publisher.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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First hit song Swanee
1919

Gershwin's song Swanee, popularized by Al Jolson, became his first major commercial success.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Premiere of Rhapsody in Blue
12 February 1924

Gershwin premiered Rhapsody in Blue in New York, fusing jazz and classical music into a landmark work.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Premiere of An American in Paris
13 December 1928

Gershwin's orchestral tone poem inspired by his travels premiered with the New York Philharmonic.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Premiere of the opera Porgy and Bess
10 October 1935

Gershwin's folk opera, featuring the aria Summertime, premiered on Broadway.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moved to Hollywood
1936

Gershwin relocated to Hollywood to compose music for film musicals.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Hollywood
11 July 1937

Gershwin died at the age of 38 following surgery for a brain tumor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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