Learn

One of the most important composers in American music is George Gershwin. His music is still used today in commercial advertising, such as United Airlines theme music. His works are played regularly by the symphonies and orchestras in the United States, and chances are if you play a musical instrument that you already have or soon will play his music. Probably his most famous work was his “Rhapsody in Blue”, although he wrote much, much more.

In addition to a great career as an orchestral composer, he also wrote a great deal of music for Hollywood and popular music. His collaboration with his brother Ira Gershwin is one of the famous creative duos of this century. His brother was a lyricist, which means that he wrote the words, which George then put to music. Some of the songs they wrote together remain favorites today, such as “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “S’wonderful”, “I Got Rhythm”, and “Our Love Is Here To Stay”. Be sure to listen for his name, and ask your parents and grandparents about the Gershwin brother’s music; they’ll probably sing you one of these famous songs.