Great American Composer

One of America's greatest music composers was born in 1898. His name was George Gershwin and while he lived a short life by today's standards he amassed more than 500 songs that he wrote, including one opera. Gershwin first wrote music for plays that were performed in theatres in New York City. During the 1920s and 30s comedy plays that included lots of songs were popular form of entertainment.

One of Gershwin's songs "Girl Crazy" was sang by a young Ethel Merman who later became a celebrated performer in America. Gershwin wrote many songs performed in musical plays and films. Many of these songs have remained popular over the years and have been sung, played and adapted for many forms ranging from jazz to country.

Gershwin helped show America that jazz should be considered a great form of music and in just a few weeks created a piece known as rhapsody in blue