1898–1937 · American Composer
George Gershwin compressed an extraordinary musical imagination into just 38 years — blending the rhythmic drive of jazz, the lyricism of the European concert hall, and the wit of Broadway into songs that remain endlessly singable. His partnership with brother Ira produced some of the most intelligent and playful lyrics in the American canon.
Born in Brooklyn to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, George Gershwin taught himself piano and landed his first job plugging songs on Tin Pan Alley at age fifteen. His ascent was meteoric — by his mid-twenties he had written Rhapsody in Blue and a string of Broadway hits that changed American music. The collaboration with his lyricist brother Ira was one of the most productive partnerships in the history of popular song, producing standards that span every mood from breezy humor to the deepest longing.
This workshop gathers ten of the most jazz-friendly Gershwin songs — not the obvious warhorse versions, but songs chosen for their harmonic depth and melodic generosity. "Fascinating Rhythm" is one of the great groove vehicles in the repertoire; "Isn't It a Pity" and "I Was Doing All Right" are among the most beautiful and undersung of Gershwin's ballads. Every song invites the singer to find their own truth inside it.
Gershwin died of a brain tumor in 1937 at just 38. The size of the loss is hard to comprehend — and the songs he left behind feel like a permanent argument for joy.
Each song includes lead sheet and lyric sheet in both a men's and women's key, plus a practice backing track. In addition, there are YouTube links to a variety of artist renditions to inspire you.