The Life of George Gershwin

Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we kick off a brand-new series all about one of America’s most beloved composers, George Gershwin. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise as a composer who seamlessly blended jazz and classical styles, Gershwin’s life and music continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

🎹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Gershwin’s early life and how he discovered his passion for music.
• How his unique style merged jazz and classical traditions.
• His collaborations with his brother, Ira Gershwin, and their unforgettable hits like I Got Rhythm and Embraceable You.
• Iconic works like Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and the opera Porgy and Bess.

🎵 Musical Highlights in the Episode:

• Gershwin himself performing his first hit, Swanee.
• Excerpts from I Got Rhythm, Concerto in F, and An American in Paris.
• A glimpse into his music with brother Ira, such as "Embraceable You"

✨ Fun Facts About Gershwin:

• Did you know Gershwin was also an avid painter and tennis player?
• Hear the story of how Maurice Ravel turned down Gershwin’s request for lessons with an inspiring compliment.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Playlist of George Gershwin’s Works – Enjoy the music featured in today’s episode and more!

📅 Coming Up Next:
Join me in two weeks for a deep dive into one of Gershwin’s most iconic compositions: Rhapsody in Blue. We’ll explore how this piece captured the spirit of 1920s America and why it remains a classic today.

Thank you for tuning in to Busy Kids Love Music! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of our George Gershwin series. For more resources, activities, and listening guides, visit us at busykidsdopiano.com.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!