In celebration of George Gershwin’s 128th birthday, here is a look at the life of one of America’s most beloved composers. A child prodigy, Gershwin started playing the piano at age 3 and was writing music by his early teens. His career took off in the 1920s with hit songs like Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime. He later turned to Broadway, where he wrote classics like An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess. Despite a short life cut short by illness, Gershwin left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians and audiences today.
Discover the best quotes from George Gershwin, and much more.
I like to think of music as an emotional science. — George Gershwin
An entire composition written in jazz could not live. — George Gershwin
Gershwin’s tragedy was not that he failed to cross the tracks, but rather that he did, and once there in his new habitat, was deprived of the chance to plunge his roots firmly into the new soil. — George Gershwin
I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise. — George Gershwin
Writing music is not so much inspiration as hard work. — George Gershwin
It sounds simple, of course, but personally I can think of no more mentally arduous task than making music. — George Gershwin
True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. — George Gershwin
Various Statements From George Gershwin
All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn’t that way in my work. — George Gershwin
Music sets up certain vibration which unquestionably results in a physical reaction. Eventually the proper vibration for every person will be found and utilized. — George Gershwin
When I’m in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers. — George Gershwin
My people are Americans. My time is today. — George Gershwin
Life is a lot like jazz. It’s best when you improvise. — George Gershwin
What the hell do you want to work for somebody else for? Work for yourself! — George Gershwin
It is always possible to create something original. — George Gershwin
More Phrases From George Gershwin
The European boys have small ideas but they sure know how to dress ’em up. — George Gershwin
When jazz is played in another nation, it is called American. When it is played in another country, it sounds false. Jazz is the result of the energy stored up in America. — George Gershwin
Look at the piano. You’ll notice that there are white notes and black notes. Figure out the difference between them and you’ll be able to make whatever kind of music you want. — George Gershwin
What were George Gershwin’s jobs?
George Gershwin made piano rolls for player pianos, played the piano in nightclubs, demonstrated sheet music for a music publishing company, and worked as an accompanist and a Broadway rehearsal pianist.
He thereafter made a living writing popular songs and Broadway musicals and composing important and popular jazz-influenced classical compositions. . Source
I didn’t even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever–you–call–it, but I practised regularly, and that’s what counts. — George Gershwin
Redundant Thematics
In George Gershwin Statements
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jazz
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Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style of folk music. — George Gershwin
Out of my entire annual output of songs, perhaps two, or at the most three, came as a result of inspiration. We can never rely on inspiration. When we most want it, it does not come. — George Gershwin
All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won’t do the job. A man also needs technique. — George Gershwin
Deeper Quotes From George Gershwin
Jazz is the result of the energy stored up in America. — George Gershwin
Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want? — George Gershwin
It took me three weeks to write the ‘Rhapsody in Blue.’ I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired. — George Gershwin
Originality is the only thing that counts. But the originator uses material and ideas that occur round him and pass through him. And out of his experience comes the original creation. — George Gershwin
