tracker
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows (beta) Register/Login Games Grosses
George Gershwin Headshot
Get George Gershwin Alerts

George Gershwin

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY

read more news

My Shows
Track Your Shows, Get Recommendations, and More!
Add George Gershwin's shows to your list.

BIO

George Gershwin was born in Brooklyn on September 26, 1898, and began his musical training when he was 13. At 16 he quit high school to work as a "song plugger" for a music publisher, and soon he was writing songs himself. "Swanee," as introduced by Al Jolson, brought George his first real fame and led to his writing a succession of 22 musical comedies, most with his older brother, Ira. The Gershwins' shows include Lady Be Good, Oh, Kay!, Strike Up the Band, Girl Crazy, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Of Thee I Sing. From his early career George had ambitions to compose serious music, and his classical masterpieces include "Rhapsody In Blue," "Concerto In F," "An American In Paris" and "Second Rhapsody." In the late '20s George became fascinated by the DuBose Heyward novel Porgy, recognizing it as a perfect vehicle for opera using jazz and blues idioms. The folk opera Porgy and Bess had its Broadway premiere in October of 1935. In 1937 George was at the height of his career. While working on the score of The Goldwyn Follies in Hollywood, he collapsed, and on July 11, died of a brain tumor. He was not quite 39 years old.

Photos

Productions

Crazy For YouCrazy For You
 
[West End, 2023]
Music & Lyrics
An American in ParisAn American in Paris
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music and Lyrics
Lady, Be Good!Lady, Be Good!
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Music
An American in Paris
 
[Paris, 2014]
Compsoer
The Show is On
 
[Broadway, 1937]
Composer (Additional Music)
The Show is On
 
[Broadway, 1936]
Composer (Additional Music)
Girl Crazy
 
[Broadway, 1930]
Conductor
Lucky
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Composer (Additional Music)
The Dancing Girl
 
[Broadway, 1923]
Composer (Additional Music)
George White's Scandals [1922]
 
[Broadway, 1922]
Music
For Goodness Sake
 
[Broadway, 1922]
Composer (Additional Music)
Blue Eyes
 
[Broadway, 1921]
Composer (Additional Music)
Good Morning, Judge
 
[Broadway, 1919]
Composer (Additional Music)
Ladies First
 
[Broadway, 1918]
Composer (Additional Music)

Writing

Do It Again!
Music
Composer
Funny Face
Composer
George Gershwin Alone
Composer/Lyricist
The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Girl Crazy
Composer
Jolson & Co.
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Mr. Words
Composer
Oh, Kay!
Composer
Our Nell
Composer
Composer
Pardon My English
Composer
Composer
Primrose
Composer
Rosalie
Composer
Composer
Show Girl
Composer
Song of the Flame
Composer
Composer
Stairway to Paradise
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Strike Up the Band
Composer
Composer
Sweet Little Devil
Composer
Composer
Tell Me More!
Composer
Composer
Tip-Toes
Composer
Composer
Treasure Girl
Composer
Composer
Who Cares?
Composer

Movies

Shall We Dance
[ 1937 ] music by
The Goldwyn Follies
[ 1938 ] music by
Rhapsody in Blue
[ 1945 ] music
An American in Paris
[ 1951 ] music by
Funny Face
[ 1957 ] songwriter
Kiss Me, Stupid
[ 1964 ] songs by
The Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess'
[ 2013 ] music
An American in Paris - The Musical
[ 2018 ] music and lyrics by

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best New Musical

George GershwinThe Gershwins' Porgy And Bess


winner
Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

George Gershwin, Crazy For You

Videos

More Videos

News


Colorado Music Festival Celebrates 50 Years with Season Kickoff in July Photo
Colorado Music Festival Celebrates 50 Years with Season Kickoff in July
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2026

The Colorado Music Festival will mark its 50th anniversary with a season featuring world premieres and performances by renowned artists like Yuja Wang.
Interview: The Orchestra of St. Luke’s Is on a Mission to Bring Accessible Music to Photo
Interview: The Orchestra of St. Luke’s Is on a Mission to Bring Accessible Music to NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 17, 2026

Read a conversation with The Orchestra of St. Luke’s President and Executive Director James Roe about highlights of their 2026 season, how to support OSL, and how parents can get their kids involved in the Youth Orchestra of St. Luke's (YOSL).
Kristin Lee and Sandbox Percussion to Debut Vivian Fung's Latest Composition Photo
Kristin Lee and Sandbox Percussion to Debut Vivian Fung's Latest Composition
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026

Violinist Kristin Lee and GRAMMY-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion are joining forces this year to give the premiere performances of a new work composed for them by JUNO Award-winning composer Vivian Fung.
Wolf Trap Unveils 2026 Summer Season of Classical and Opera Performances Photo
Wolf Trap Unveils 2026 Summer Season of Classical and Opera Performances
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

Wolf Trap will present a diverse lineup of classical music and opera performances for its 2026 summer season, featuring renowned global artists and ensembles.
Roundup: Best Valentine's Day 2026 Cabaret & Concerts in NYC Photo
Roundup: Best Valentine's Day 2026 Cabaret & Concerts in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 10, 2026

Valentine's Day is almost upon us – but what's un-sexier than realizing you've been caught at the last minute with no plans to celebrate the special day? We rounded up seven of the best cabaret shows, concerts and comedy shows not yet sold out.
MidAmerica Productions Announces 2026 Concert Season At Stern Auditorium/Perelman Sta Photo
MidAmerica Productions Announces 2026 Concert Season At Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage At Carnegie Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2026

MidAmerica Productions will present its 43rd concert season at Carnegie Hall, featuring 11 world premieres and a mix of sacred and secular music from March to June 2026.
Review: An Evening With Michael Feinstein & 101-Year-Old Gershwin Cousin Frankie Ross Photo
Review: An Evening With Michael Feinstein & 101-Year-Old Gershwin Cousin Frankie Ross
by Stephen Sorokoff - Feb 6, 2026

Read memories from George and Ira Gershwin's 101-year-old cousin as told at a private event last night featuring Michael Feinstein, and see photos from the event snapped by Stephen Sorokoff.
Lorna Dallas to Perform THE CABARET FILES at Chelsea Table + Stag Photo
Lorna Dallas to Perform THE CABARET FILES at Chelsea Table + Stag
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2026

Lorna Dallas, one of cabaret's most acclaimed and cherished artists and the recipient of a 2020 Bistro Award for “Consummate Cabaret Artistry,” returns to Chelsea Table + Stage.
Kathleen Marshall to Direct STARDUST: FROM TIN PAN ALLEY TO BROADWAY at 92NY Photo
Kathleen Marshall to Direct STARDUST: FROM TIN PAN ALLEY TO BROADWAY at 92NY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026

92NY Lyrics & Lyricists 2025/26 season will continues with Stardust: From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway led by triple Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall, celebrating the era and songbook of hits.
Hershey Felder in LOVE NOTES and More Set for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Season 56 L Photo
Hershey Felder in LOVE NOTES and More Set for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Season 56 Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has unveiled its 56th season—a lineup of works to be presented July 2026 through April 2027. TheatreWorks Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli revealed the three plays, two musicals, and one play with music.
Best Cabaret in February 2026: Patti LuPone, Isaac Mizrahi, Tony Danza & More Photo
Best Cabaret in February 2026: Patti LuPone, Isaac Mizrahi, Tony Danza & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 1, 2026

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month, at a range of budget points including Dianna Agron, Jeff Harnar, Melissa Errico and more.
Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and More to Perform at 54 Below in February Photo
Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and More to Perform at 54 Below in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2026

Next month, 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and more. 
Wharton Arts to Present SOUND BEYOND SIGHT Black History Month Concert Photo
Wharton Arts to Present SOUND BEYOND SIGHT Black History Month Concert
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2026

A Black History Month concert titled Sound Beyond Sight will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sieminski Theater at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
Orchestra Of St. Luke’s Unveils Winter/spring 2026 Season Photo
Orchestra Of St. Luke’s Unveils Winter/spring 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2026

Orchestra of St. Luke’s has announced its winter and spring 2026 season, featuring concerts at Carnegie Hall and venues across New York City. Highlights include three Carnegie Hall mainstage programs, the annual OSL Bach Festival, and appearances in the Five Boroughs Music Festival.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Unveils PORGY AND BESS Community Engagement Events Photo
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Unveils PORGY AND BESS Community Engagement Events
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2026

Lyric Opera of Kansas City has announced a series of free community engagement events in conjunction with its upcoming production of PORGY AND BESS. The programs include panel discussions and educational talks examining the opera’s history, music, and cultural impact
Carnegie Hall Unveils UNITED IN SOUND Festival 2026 Partner Events Photo
Carnegie Hall Unveils UNITED IN SOUND Festival 2026 Partner Events
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026

Carnegie Hall has announced its schedule of partner events presented by leading cultural and academic institutions across New York City and beyond from February through July 2026 as part of the Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
Music Mondays Brings Akropolis Reed Quintet and Baritone Kenneth Overton to Advent Lu Photo
Music Mondays Brings Akropolis Reed Quintet and Baritone Kenneth Overton to Advent Lutheran Church
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

The Akropolis Reed Quintet and baritone Kenneth Overton will perform the New York premiere of Harriet Steinke's 'Mass', along with other iconic pieces, on February 16, 2026.
Violinist Kristin Lee to Make Weill Recital Hall Debut At Carnegie Hall Photo
Violinist Kristin Lee to Make Weill Recital Hall Debut At Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2026

Violinist Kristin Lee will make her Weill Recital Hall debut at Carnegie Hall with pianist John Novacek. The performance is part of United in Sound: America at 250, the citywide festival presented by Carnegie Hall.
Interview: Hershey Felder of THE PIANO AND ME at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Photo
Interview: Hershey Felder of THE PIANO AND ME at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Jim Munson - Jan 15, 2026

BroadwayWorld chats with virtuoso pianist-actor-writer Hershey Felder about his latest show, 'Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me,' running in its world premiere engagement at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley January 17 to February 8 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.
The 92nd Street Y, New York to Present Freddie Ballentine, Tenor & Kunal Lahiry, Pian Photo
The 92nd Street Y, New York to Present Freddie Ballentine, Tenor & Kunal Lahiry, Piano: OUR PEOPLE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026

The 92nd Street Y in New York will present concert titled Our People, featuring Grammy-winning tenor Freddie Ballentine and acclaimed pianist Kunal Lahiry.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has George Gershwin written?

George Gershwin has written 48 shows including Half-Past Eight (Composer), La, La, Lucille (Composer), La-La-Lucille! (Composer), Morris Gest's "Midnight Whirl" (Composer), George White's Scandals [1920] (Composer), Snapshots of 1921 (Composer), The Broadway Whirl (Composer), George White's Scandals [1921] (Composer), The French Doll (Composer), George White's Scandals [1922] (Composer), Our Nell (Composer), George White's Scandals [1923] (Composer), Sweet Little Devil (Composer), George White's Scandals [1924] (Composer), Primrose (Composer), Lady, Be Good (Composer), Tell Me More! (Composer), Tip-Toes (Composer), Song of the Flame (Composer), Oh, Kay! (Composer), Strike Up the Band (Composer), Funny Face (Composer), Rosalie (Composer), Treasure Girl (Composer), Show Girl (Composer), Girl Crazy (Composer), Of Thee I Sing (Composer), Pardon My English (Composer), Let 'Em Eat Cake (Composer), Porgy and Bess (Composer), All Points West (Composer), Who Cares? (Composer), Do It Again! (Composer), Mr. Words (Composer), My One and Only (Composer), Gertrude Stein and a Companion (Additional Music), Reaching for the Moon (Composer), Crazy for You (Composer), The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm (Composer/Lyricist), Jolson & Co. (Composer/Lyricist), American Rhapsody: A New Musical Revue (Composer), George Gershwin Alone (Composer/Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Composer), Stairway to Paradise (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), The Gershwins' An American In Paris (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Composer), A Night With Janis Joplin (Composer).

What awards has George Gershwin been nominated for?

George Gershwin has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for "The Gershwins' Porgy And Bess" and the American Express Award for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Crazy For You". These nominations highlight the recognition and acclaim that Gershwin's musical works have received in the industry.

What awards has George Gershwin won?

George Gershwin has won the American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for "Crazy For You".

Get George Gershwin Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos