George Gershwin

George Gershwin (1898-1937), american composer who crossed brilliantly the lines between jazz and classical styles,  was born to russian jewish immigrants and originally named Jakob Gershowitz. He was given a “classical” music education but left school at the age of 15 to become a composer, supporting himself through his work as a bar pianist. He wanted to study with Ravel, who commented to him “looking at what you earn from your music, I think that it is I who should be studying with you” !

“Summertime” from the musical “Porgy and Bess”

“I Got Rhythm”