Composer of the Month: George Gershwin (20th Century)
- Rachel Beard
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) was one of the most influential and popular American composers of the early 20th century. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Gershwin grew up surrounded by the vibrant sounds of New York—particularly jazz and popular song—which shaped his musical voice from a young age.
Although he was not initially studious, Gershwin secretly taught himself piano, and by his teens was working in New York’s music industry as a “song plugger,” demonstrating new tunes in Tin Pan Alley to promote sheet music. His first published song appeared in 1916, and in 1919, the hit Swanee brought him widespread recognition.
Gershwin’s early career was marked by collaborations with his brother, Ira Gershwin, a gifted lyricist. Together, they became dominant figures in Broadway musical theatre throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. Their shows produced many songs that became standards in American popular music.
Gershwin also sought to bridge the worlds of popular and serious concert music. In 1924, he composed Rhapsody in Blue, which fused jazz idioms (like blues notes and syncopation) with classical orchestral writing. This piece instantly became his signature work and a defining moment in American music, helping to elevate jazz influences within the concert repertoire. He followed with other significant orchestral and piano works, including the Piano Concerto in F (1925) and An American in Paris (1928), further demonstrating his range and ambition.
Gershwin’s career was cut short when he died at the age of 38. However, his impact on American music was enormous. He helped define the sound of the Jazz Age, brought jazz elements into classical forms, and wrote melodies that remain deeply embedded in the cultural memory. Today, his works are performed across genres, from Broadway revivals and jazz interpretations to symphony hall programs.
