George Gershwin

composer · jazz · American music · piano

Musical genius. George Gershwin was a composer and pianist who could write in many different musical styles, from jazzy popular songs to grand classical symphonies. He had an incredible gift for creating melodies that people loved and remembered.

Famous masterpieces. His most famous works include Rhapsody in Blue, a spectacular orchestral piece that captures the energy of America, and An American in Paris, which sounds like a musical vacation through the streets of France. He also created the opera Porgy and Bess, which featured the famous song "Summertime."

Theater first. George wrote a musical called Of Thee I Sing that was so good it became the first musical ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, one of America's highest honors.

Jazz and standards. Many of Gershwin's songs became jazz standards that musicians still play today, including "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You," which have been performed millions of times by artists worldwide.

Blended music styles. What made Gershwin special was his ability to mix jazz rhythms and popular melodies with serious classical music, creating a unique American sound that had never been heard before.