George Gershwin, American Composer

George Gershwin, American Composer

George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 - July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. His compositions spanned both popular and classical genres. He began his career as a song plugger, but soon started composing Broadway theater works with his brother Ira Gershwin and Buddy DeSylva. He moved to Paris to study with Nadia Boulanger, where he began to compose An American in Paris. After returning to New York City, he wrote Porgy and Bess with Ira and the author DuBose Heyward. Initially a commercial failure, Porgy and Bess is now considered one of the most important American operas of the twentieth century. He moved to Hollywood and composed numerous film scores until his death in 1937, at the age of 38, from a brain tumor. His compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and several became jazz standards recorded in many variations. Countless singers and musicians have recorded his songs. Photographed by Carl Van Vecten, March 28, 1937.

black & white • History: Personalities

Album / Science Source / LOC/Carl Van Vechten Collection

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3322 x 4500 px | 42.8 MB

28.1 x 38.1 cm | 11.1 x 15.0 in (300 dpi)