Composer & Pianist George Gershwin Died in 1937

His signature works include "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and the opera "Porgy and Bess"

American composer and pianist George Gershwin died on this day in 1937.

Gershwin’s jazz-influenced compositions spanned both classical and popular styles — ranging from concerto to film score to jazz standard.

As a songwriter and film composer, Gershwin often collaborated with his brother Ira as lyricist. In March 2021, the Metropolitan Opera's recording of the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. Another musical, "Of Thee I Sing," won a posthumous Pulitzer in 1998.

Gershwin was born to Russian immigrants and left high school to work as a Tin Pan Alley song plugger, finding success within a few years through his first hit, "Swanee."

He tragically passed away from a brain tumor, aged just 38.

GEORGE GERSHWIN | THREE PRELUDES | BLAKE POULIOT & HSIN-I HUANG