George Gershwin - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | September 26, 1898 |
|---|---|
| Died | July 11, 1937 (age 38) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Chinese Zodiac | Dog |
| Generation | Lost Generation |
| Known For | Composing iconic works such as 'Rhapsody in Blue', 'An American in Paris', and 'Porgy and Bess', as well as numerous Broadway musicals and songs that became jazz standards. |
Intro
George Gershwin was a renowned American composer and pianist, celebrated for his innovative blend of classical music with jazz, blues, and popular styles. His extensive repertoire includes popular standards, orchestral compositions, and Broadway musicals. He is widely credited with bridging the gap between popular and classical music in America, and his works remain influential and frequently performed.
Early Life & Background
George Gershwin was born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York. He began learning piano at the age of 11 after being captivated by a friend's performance. Gershwin quickly demonstrated remarkable talent, studying with several renowned piano teachers and developing an early interest in both classical music and the lively popular music scene of early 20th-century New York City.
Career Highlights
- Composed 'Rhapsody in Blue' (1924), a defining work blending jazz and classical music.
- Wrote hit Broadway musicals with his brother Ira Gershwin, including 'Girl Crazy', 'Funny Face', and 'Of Thee I Sing'.
- Premiered 'An American in Paris' (1928), an orchestral tone poem now a concert favorite.
- Created the opera 'Porgy and Bess' (1935), featuring 'Summertime' and recognized as an American classic.
- Composed over 700 songs, many becoming jazz and pop standards.
Trivia
- Gershwin briefly studied composition in Paris in hopes of working with Maurice Ravel and Nadia Boulanger, but both declined, feeling Gershwin's unique style should not be altered.
- He died unexpectedly from a brain tumor at the age of 38.
- 'Rhapsody in Blue' premiered at the iconic concert 'An Experiment in Modern Music' in 1924, conducted by Paul Whiteman.
FAQs
People also ask
When was George Gershwin born?
George Gershwin was born the 26 September 1898.
Where is George Gershwin from?
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA.
On His Birth-Day
About September 26th, 1898, in brief:
- Day of the week: September 26th, 1898 was a Monday
- Zodiac Sign: Libra (in western zodiac), Dog (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous