George Gershwin (1898-1937) was born Jacob Gershowitz in Brooklyn, New York to Russian Jewish immigrant parents.

Gershwin composed both for Broadway and for the classical concert hall, and his music contains elements of both. He also wrote popular songs with success. Many of his compositions have been used in cinema, and perhaps many more are famous jazz standards: songbooks have been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock and several other singers or players.

His most famous works in the classical field include Rhapsody in Blue, (1924), Piano Concerto in F (1925), An American In Paris, Porgy And Bess (1935) and Three Preludes, (1936).

George made most of his works with his brother Ira Gershwin, a lyricist. In 1910, the Gershwins had acquired a piano, George tried out various piano teachers for 2 years, then was introduced to Charles Hambitzer - who became his mentor. Hambitzer taught George conventional piano technique, introduced him to the European masters, and encouraged him to attend orchestral concerts. His 1916 novelty rag "Rialto Ripples" was a commercial success, and in 1918 he scored his first big national hit with his song "Swanee".

In 1924, George and Ira collaborated on a musical comedy, "Lady Be Good". This was follwed by "Oh, Kay!" (1926); "Funny Face" in (1927); "Strike Up the Band" (1927 & 1930); "Girl Crazy" (1930).

It was in Hollywood, while working on the score of The Goldwyn Follies, that George Gershwin collapsed and, on July 11, 1937, died of a brain tumour. He was interred in the Westchester Hills Cemetery, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.