I didn’t know the lineage of the Gershwin’s work, so the most astounding thing that I have learned in preparing for this series is the remarkable timeline of their development.

In short order, George went from a Tin Pan Alley song plugger to the composer of one of the most well loved ‘serious’ compositions to ever emerge from America. “Rhapsody in Blue” is virtually an aural representation of urban life in the ‘20s, and 100 years later, it still evokes the same vivid images as it had when it was fresh.

Featured tracks in today’s show include;

Rhapsody in Blue – Bernstein/NY Philharmonic

The Man I Love – Billie Holiday

Oh, Lady Be Good – Fred Astaire

Oh, Lady Be Good – Count Basie

Fascinating Rhythm – Ella Fitzgerald

Half of It, Dearie Blues – Ella Fitzgerald