George Gershwin was born Jacob Gershovitz in Brooklyn, New York on September 26, 1898. George studied piano under Charles Hambitzer until Hambitzer's death in 1918. He later studied with famed composers Rubin Goldmark and Henry Cowell.
George had commercial success with his novelty rag "Rialto Ripples" in 1917 but scored his first big national hit in 1919 with his song "Swanee."
George and his brother Ira collaborated on many projects creating such Jazz standards as "I Got Rhythm." In 1924 George composed Rhapsody in Blue, his first classical work which proved to be his most popular. In 1935 he undertook his most ambitious composition, Porgy and Bess, regarded by many as the most important American opera of the 20th Century.
Early in 1937, George began to suffer from blinding headaches which turned out to be caused by a brain tumor. On July 11, 1937 George Gershwing died following surgery for the tumor at the age of 38.
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Memphis: The Original Broadway Production (DVD)
An original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Bursting off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love, this incredible journey is filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.
