George Gershwin - The Tragic End of a Musical Prodigy | Biographical Documentary

One of the best loved composers and songwriters of all time, George Gershwin had no interest in music as a boy. But when he was 10 his parents bought a piano for his older brother, and to everyone’s surprise, he was able to pick out tunes he had learned by following the keys on a neighbour’s pianola.
He dropped out of school at 15 to work as a song plugger, pounding out ditties for people buying sheet music, but within three years his songs were being included in Broadway musicals.
The rest is history, he achieved worldwide fame with his musical theatre, movie scores and genre crossing jazz inspired classical music. He was intelligent, charming, witty, he painted, kept himself fit and had no secret vices.
But at the age of 38 he started behaving erratically, had an absence attack when playing at a concert and hallucinations of the smell of burning rubber. Tragically his symptoms were dismissed as psychological, and he was dead within six months.
Finding Out More
Edward Jablonski's biography, Gershwin, despite being quite old now, is still the most thorough of the numerous Gershwin biographies. I have listed this on my Amazon Store Page. www.amazon.com/shop/professor...
Academic References
Bagatti, D. (2016). Music and medicine: the tragic case of Gershwin's brain tumor and the challenges of neurosurgery in the first half of the 20th century. World Neurosurgery, 85, 298-304.
Dandy, W. E. (1919). Roentgenography of the brain after the injection of air into the spinal canal. Annals of surgery, 70(4), 397-403.
Leffert, M. (2011). The psychoanalysis and death of George Gershwin: An American tragedy. Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, 39(3), 421-452.
Sloop, G. D. (2001). What caused George Gershwin's untimely death? Journal of Medical Biography, 9(1), 28-30.
Teive, H. A., Germiniani, F., Cardoso, A. B., Paola, L. D., & Werneck, L. C. (2002). The uncinated crisis of George Gershwin. Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria, 60, 505-508.
Copyright Disclaimer
The primary purpose of this video is educational. I have tried to use material in the public domain or with Creative Commons Non-attribution licences wherever possible. Where attribution is required, I have listed this below. I believe that any copyright material used falls under the remit of Fair Use, but if any content owners would like to dispute this, I will not hesitate to immediately remove that content. It is not my intention to infringe on content ownership in any way. If you happen to find your art or images in the video, please let me know and I will be glad to credit you.
Images
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Wellcome Collection
Library of Congress
Music
Gershwin: Swanee - Al Jolson - Public domain.
Gershwin: Piano transcription of "The Man I Love" - Constantin Stephan CC4.0
Gershwin: 1st Prelude - La Pianista CC3.0
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, orchestrated by Ferde Grofé, 1924 Jazz Band Version. Bramwell Tovey, piano soloist. United States Marine Band.
Gershwin: Do it again from The French Doll 1922 Paul Whiteman Orchestra - Public domain
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue recording from 1924, by George Gershwin. Public domain
Gershwin: Rialto Ripples - Jeffrey Biegel -Fair Use
Gershwin: When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em, When You've Got 'Em, You Don't Want 'Em - Gershwin Piano Roll. Public Domain.
Stephen Foster: The Old Folks at Home -Takayuki Yamashita -CC0
Beethoven: Symphony No 5 in C Minor: Fulda Symphonic Orchestra, Simon Schindler. EFF: Open Audio License version 1.
Chopin: Prélude op. 28 n° 4 - Dorian Pâquet CC4.0
Maurice Ravel: Bolero Conducted by Ravel 1930 Public domain
Nadia Boulanger - Trois Pièces pour violoncelle et piano - Cheng² Duo
Gershwin: American in Paris: Ulyanovsk State Academic Symphony Orchestra: conductor - Ilya Derbilov. CCAttribution
Gershwin: Porgy & Bess: Teatro Regio Torino - 2019 Production CCAttribution
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No 6 Wilhelm Furtwängler - Berlin Philharmonic
Claude-Paul Taffanel: Andante Pastoral et Scherzettino. Alex Murray (flute) and Martha Goldstein (piano) CC2.0
Gershwin: The Man I Love: Nethanya - Kibbutz Orchestra conducted by Yaron Gottfried Dan Gottfried piano CC Attribution.
Gershwin: Summertime Russian String Orchestra conducted by Misha Rachlevsky
Gershwin: 3 Preludes for Clarinet and Piano II. Clarinet: Byeon Gyu-ri, Piano: Kim Hwa-jeong CCAttribution
Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F soloist, Chris Reeves, Orchestra of the Pines directed by Gene Moon. CCAttribution
Video produced by Graeme Yorston and Tom Yorston.

[@allisonhogg5131]

Thank you. I was a mental health nurse for 30 years so found it very interesting. I knew it was a brain tumour by his symptoms and have in the past nursed an individual who would always throw themselves on the floor. We where told to ignore their attention seeking behaviour until the patient was eventually scanned and found to have a brain tumour. Over time this changed thankfully and organic causes are ruled out first. Georges music reminds me of my father particularly "Rhapsody in Blue". George was very talented but I never knew he painted so will check them out.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Yes, nowadays he would have had a scan and an operation and if it wasn't the highly malignant tumour, he would have lived probably without any other problems.

[@liviia305]

My paternal grandfather died in the 1930s due to a brain tumor. Not much could be done for them back then, and sadly, it was a source of family shame, and never discussed.

[@dshe8637]

It's desperately sad that people going through such serious conditions are dismissed as neurotic and morally deficient. It's quite horrible.

[@lynettedonovan385]

Uh

[@lynettedonovan385]

22:15 ​@@liviia305

[@alecwilliams7111]

An additional remark: Duke Ellington--a great jazz musician dislike the movie biography of Gershwin. He said it showed Gershwin being rude to people: "I knew George Gershwin, and I never saw him be rude to anyone" (MUSIC IS MY MISTRESS by Duke Ellington). That a pretty good epitaph for anyone.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He seems to have been a genuinely nice guy!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Ellington, himself, was an exceedingly talented and generous man, by all accounts. A wonderful comment in support of his friend.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Well said and well put!

[@twangel46]

I really like rhapsody in blue and concerto in F

[@janethayes5941]

I was 4 years old. My aunt had a recording of Rhapsody in Blue on a 78 if you can imagine! She played it for me and my world was never the same. No more kid songs for me. I wanted more.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

There is nothing like Gershwin!

[@auapplemac1976]

I too heard Rhapsody at a young age and was immediately attracted to it. I had heard other classical music, but this was different and touched me in a different way. Have been a fervent Gershwin fan since them. Have seen Porgy and Bess performed on stage several times and have a recording of the original production. John Bubbles who played Sportin’ Life was amazing.

[@maudeboggins9834]

Mr. Gershwin & Irving Berlin were two immensely talented musicians. Mr. Berlin enjoyed 101 years on this earth.

[@user-do7up9eu9i]

We too had a recording on a 78. I still have it.

[@pamelab7235]

When I was 10 I got chicken pox and my mom would play Gershwin records for me to help pass the time. Like you, it changed my life when it comes to music appreciation.

[@paulakpacente]

I'm 70 years old. My mom played classical music when I was a child, and I never lost my love for George Gershwin.

[@biancamonzo8117]

I used to experience severe migraines and it was sheer hell, I can only imagine what poor Mr. Gershwin was going through. I come from a musical family and the Gershwin's music was much cherished in our house. Another great video, well done 💜

[@susanford2388]

George Gershwin was an exceedingly talented man. Gone before his time.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@Sybil-RoxanneClemons]

All of those doctors could not find the the brain tumor? Shame on them. 😢😢😢😢

[@Sybil-RoxanneClemons]

​@@professorgraemeyorstonI want to know more about the trumpet player Tonni Kalash

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur!

[@angelaknebel4156]

So sad we lost him so soon!!! RIP Maestro Gershwin 💔 A really interesting biography although so very sad to hear the details of his illness, thank you for uploading

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sandramyer7081]

Very sad - so sad 😢

[@ricvalentino2502]

Fascinating documentary. Like Mozart, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, or any other musician who died young, what beautiful music we lost.

[@jubalcalif9100]

As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point!

[@loriedmundson782]

A great fan of Gershwin since age of 17, when played 3rd chair clarinet high school band. We played Rhapsody in Blue, songs from Porgy and Bess, and American In Paris. Fell madly in love with the music, and Gene Kelly. Very much enjoy your channel. ❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@beblader9]

A sad end for such a gifted man. Tragedy.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

And so multi-talented.

[@Sybil-RoxanneClemons]

Absolutely.

[@elliepascoe5954]

I have recorded/remastered old jazz music for more than thirty years, and the Gershwin brothers were a constant golden thread❤But then, all the Gershwin children were multi talented. Imagine growing up in those times, in that family.Wow! Love your view on Gershwin!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@begotten59]

Thank you Professor Graeme Yorston. I was diagnosed with brain cancer/GBM survivor 18 years and counting.--👨🏽‍🦽👏👏👏🥇🥇🥇

[@secretshaman189]

Thank-you so much for emphasizing that creative artists don't have to be deranged or an addict of some kind to be any good.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It's a common misperception.

[@cathywestholt5324]

George Gershwin is the first person I think of if someone asks who would you like to meet past or present. His music is so captivating no matter if it's a love song, rhapsody, lighthearted, etc., they all steal my heart. I am so saddened that his life was cut so short. What a wonderful man! ❤❤❤ I guess I have a special empathy since I have had epilepsy for 65 years, primarily myoclonic. Thank you for this wonderful video! ❤❤❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dianeruiz0721]

The psychiatric and medical community truly failed this man. What a shame. Thanks George for all the smiles your music and art continue to bring us, year after year! What a gifted artist ❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I know it seems he was let down, but without an LP or ventriculogram, the diagnosis would not have been clear.

[@graerindley6312]

If you want the medical community to be perfect you'll be waiting forever.

[@paulabarch5065]

My god this was sad-- and so very good. Ill need to watch it again tonight. So young. So much music yet to be written.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

A real tragedy.

[@Sybil-RoxanneClemons]

@@professorgraemeyorston I love I've Got a Crush on You, Do Do Do, Embraceable You, Walking The Dog. I am a Gershwin-A-Holic

[@generalcomments1239]

Never get enough of these videos. Always great

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@Sonic-dogmagic]

Loved George Gershwin's music and Ira Gershwins lyrics! God seems to gift great talented people to the world for a very short time. ❤😢❤

[@per-arnemoa103]

Especially His chosen people, the jews. As He promised to Abraham and the blessings. ❤

[@jenford7078]

How tragic and such a loss... Thank you for pointing out his genius was uncomplicated by substance abuse or mental health disorders.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Indeed!

[@dshe8637]

I have only just discovered this fascinatjng channel. I can't believe it hasn't been recommended sooner. The quality, intelligence, compassion and knowledge of these is wonderful. It deserves wider recommendation by KZbin, so I urge anyone who enjoyed one of them to subscribe.

[@TuckerSP2011]

Thank you Professor! Very interesting biography of George Gershwin. He certainly was an American treasure. Sad that he died so young from a brain tumor.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I wonder what he would have gone on to do if he'd lived another 30 years.

[@bobtaylor170]

​@@professorgraemeyorstonthis is a question which seems to particularly haunt us in regard to composers. It's said about Mozart, about Schubert, about Jimi Hendrix, about Charlie Parker. ( Now, there's a case for you, Doctor. ) But I've never really heard it said about Aubrey Beardsley, whose short of yours from earlier in the week I enjoyed. I know people have speculated about Keats, and rightly so, but it's hard for me to think of anyone else who wasn't a composer whom people have wondered about in that regard. You may be familiar with the great American popular song from circa 1940, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon." It's a stunning piece of work, but it's not by Kern, Rodgers, Berlin, or Arlen. It was written for a college show by a 22 year old senior from an Ivy League college. One of the Hollywood studios was so taken with his talent that they offered, and he accepted, a lucrative contract to write exclusively for them. However, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" is the only song we have from him, because on his cross country trip to California, he was killed in an auto accident. Now, that's a haunting one.

[@TuckerSP2011]

@@professorgraemeyorston I'm sure amazing, liberating music!

[@autumnleaves2766]

Excellent presentation. George Gershwin would be delighted to know that his music is still loved by so many. I love playing jazz piano myself and also compose a few tunes. The Gershwin songs I enjoy playing include Summertime, Lady Be Good, Nice Work If You Can Get It, A Foggy Day, Fascinating Rhythm, They Can't Take That Away From Me, Strike Up The Band, I Was Doing Alright, The Man I Love, I Got Rhythm and Our Love Is Here To Stay. I think he really captured the spirit of bustling, optimistic mid-20th century America. I wonder if the type of brain tumour he had would be survivable today ? Presumably it would be if detected early enough.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

If it was a Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) - the most common type of primary malignant brain tumour in adults - it is the most aggressive and lethal with less than 1% of all patients surviving for more than ten years, even today - but if it was a less aggressive type then it would have been treatable.

[@jayriedmuller7187]

He truly was a musical genius. Not right that he died so young. Very sad.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

A real tragedy.

[@OzzieJayne]

What a talent, I didn't know he also painted! Such a damn shame the tumour was danced around til too late. Aussie poet/writer Henry Lawson summed up his muse, - "Beer makes you feel how you ought to feel without beer"

[@jubalcalif9100]

I too never knew before now that he painted! What an incredibly talented man he was.

[@robertmatch6550]

That was a great compliment from Ravel, himself one of the greats!

[@gjs9366]

Excellent documentary about a great American genius, and his sad, tragic end.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@alecwilliams7111]

Thanks for running the biography of George Gershwin. I am a long time fan, and have been in orchestras playing his music. I think he was one of the greatest American composers of all time.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree!

[@muffassa6739]

Thank you so very much for your video. He was a great composer and a wonderful man who passed away far too young. It's so nice to see him honored 💕

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@marcguimaraes]

You are absolutely right. Addiction only destroys your brain and body. People confuse creativity with tripping on drugs. Both are two completely things. But today most of people think that tripping and high on substances is creating. lol Ignorance is blind and High as a kite ...

[@theatreorganman]

A landmark production that not only contributes importantly to the biography of Gershwin but also to the condition of man.

[@analauraaznar1552]

Amazing! I first heard Blue Rhapsody in the cartoons. Then, my mother played us an LP called "Classics for Children" and there I identified Gershwin. I will always remember him with that same joy. Thanks Professor Yorston, great job as usual. :)

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@walterbsprinks]

I heard Gershwins Rhapsody in Blue at 12years old. Gershwins Music has a certain Wonderful Magic that changes lives. His artistic interpretations were and still are sublime unique melodies. Your Doco was excellently written and balanced!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@jbbevan]

I have studied Gershwin since 1958 when I saw Rhapsody in Blue (which was the beginning of my extensive classical collection) but this treatise told me things I did not know and put some other things into perspective I had not realized. My first live concert was February 12, 1958 and it was Paul Whiteman conducting an all-Gershwin program with the Utah Symphony in the Salt Lake Tabernacle (6,500 seats). This was also celebrating the USO's release of Rhapsody in Blue, American in Paris, and the Concerto in F on Westminster at the same time. Ira Gershwin got hold of these recordings and liked them so well that he offered Gershwin's "Original Suite from Porgy & Bess" to Maurice Abravanel to record. It was not published and the parts were borrowed by Ira from the Library of Congress. Abravanel and the USO recorded it in 1959 for Westminster. It received stronger reviews than expected and most critics liked it better than Robert Russel Bennett's prevailing "Symphonic Picture." So the "Original Suite" was then published as "Catfish Row" which has had many recordings since...including from the Berlin Philharmonic/Ozawa. But the first and pioneering recording was the Utah Symphony Orchestra under Abravanel.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I love Gershwin's music but didn't know how Catfish Row first saw light of day.

[@jbbevan]

@@professorgraemeyorston Maurice Abravanel and Ira became friends when Abravanel was Weill's "personal" conductor for a period.

[@mattsadovnikoff1457]

Thank you, Doctor, for this wonderful documentary. His music had and always will have an inestimable impact on the lives of so many millions. We still need much more research into brain illness and dysfunction. RIP George!

[@Mike20216]

So sad to have lost this genius at such a young age, but god what a legacy he left us.

[@truecynic1270]

An absolute favourite of mine. Such a genius! Such a musician! Such a joy! Such an original! So sad to learn that his life, too, was tragic.........undeserved............ one bit. Wonderful music. Thank you, George Gershwin - I LOVE your talent, creativity and work.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

That's very enthusiastic for a cynic!

[@richardshiggins704]

As usual fascinating . As I followed the video I felt like screaming "neurologist" please ! However access to the brain was very limited in terms of physical diagnosis at that time . I suppose psychology was the default approach when so little else could be done . The air encephalogram was quite a painful procedure and not without hazard . We are so lucky nowadays to have access to instantaneous diagnosis via MRI / CT imaging . Many thanks for the humane appraisal of this gifted man .

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Perhaps if he hadn't had so many people tell him his symptoms were psychological he might have agreed to the LP and ventriculogram.

[@richardshiggins704]

@@professorgraemeyorston I think at this stage he was beyond rational insight as to the gravity of his own deteriorating condition .

[@paulabarch5065]

Suggestion: Cole Porter. That would be de-lovely.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks, I'll look into him.

[@katherinevallo2326]

My mom growing up would play classical music including Gershwin. I still love Gershwin because of my mom.

[@johnkingsley9525]

Watching Gershwin using a pencil to fill in notes reminded me when I worked in my fathers fountain pen store on Hollywood Blvd. repairing and selling fountain pens. Music copyist’s who at that time would take sheets of music that composers had penciled in the general melody and with a fountain pen make a new copy in black ink so it could be printed. They used a gold stub three prong flexible nib with a iridium point for hardness so you could get a fine line and when you pressed down the nib would spread apart to make the full note. I would adjust and custom the nib to their hand position. Times sure change and at 88 you can bet I have seen plenty. Now living in Costa Rica. 🌴😎🌴

[@elviramcintosh9878]

Great story well presented. Greetings from Australia.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@larryboysen5911]

His gift was surly God given, right from birth! He accomplished his deep mission...the bring his art to the enjoyment of millions. Just imagine how his additional vast "store house" of compositions would have added so much more to "music for the millions"...if not cut short! Thank you, Ira, for your lyrical talents as well!

[@PJGRAND]

George Gershwin gave us some of the most beautiful music ever heard especially Rhapsody in Blue and sad that we lost such a great talent so young at 39 Mozart and Chopin also died in their '30s but we were lucky to just have the music we have of them.

[@leslieackerman4189]

Magnificent study. Does not warrant so many comments starting with…“I“. Full of details and superbly produced.

[@mrs.g.9816]

My mom, my husband Steve, and my husband's uncle George all loved Gershwin. Of course, I do, too. George was a New York City cop in the 1960's. Steve told me once that George was enjoying a concert in a park. He was sitting back against a tree with a blissful smile on his face while listening to "Rhapsody in Blue". After the piece was finished, George said, "That music definitely captured this city's spirit!"

[@mdsailmaster22]

Why do we need to preserve our culture of Brooklyn in order to survive this kind of situation in our country tenaciously! This is a lifelong dream of ours to share our culture with others who have been affected in Brooklyn generations since childhood by exposure to cultural memories of our ancestors! ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹✝️🇺🇸Slk

[@RobertDeMartin]

Thank you so much. So were the times in the early 20th Century. One point which the video makes is that regardless of a person's makeup and challenges in their life they can dedicate their lives to accomplishing amazing results particularly in the artistic world. Early in the video someone recognized his talent by calling him a genius. Yes, jealousy, business and politics aside, if one just listened and 'felt' his music more of the so called experts would agree and publicly say so. I wonder what George Gershwin would have done had he lasted beyond World War II. Of course, Broadway exploded in the 50's and movies more and more were featuring musical themes. He and his music will never be forgotten. It was nice to see the public show their respect to one of Country's greatest composers.

[@briggsak05]

Thankyou for the AMAZING CONTEMPORY BACKGROUND.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulabarch5065]

Rhapsody in Blue. Limpid? Trite? Silly critic. Its universally appealing for something so "vapid." And "The Man i Love"? And "Someone To Watch Over Me" makes me tear up. In the best kind of way. Thank you for this, Professor!

[@bobtaylor170]

The critics and theoreticians are so often nitwits or pedants. Consider the great American musicologist, Alec Wilder, who in his classic, American Popular Song, uses much of his long chapter on Gershwin to criticize him for his use of repeated notes! I've wanted to dig Wilder up, pry open the lid, and shriek at him, "Those repeated notes which you take him to such task for were intrinsic to his genius, you twit!"

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree, I'm not sure what planet the critic was on!

[@oscardog6719]

Brilliant as usual. I did keep thinking “brain tumour” as I watched, as my husband had a GBM. It’s a pity they didn’t keep tissue samples back then for future reference or study as they do now.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

We just have the photomicrograph of his tumour which has been interpreted in different ways by modern pathologists.

[@oscardog6719]

@@professorgraemeyorston thank you for replying. 😊🇦🇺

[@bigbandsrock1]

Loved Mr. Gershwin so much! Knew much of his story, but had never heard that had his tumor been discovered earlier he might have survived! Heart wrenching to hear that! my admiration and fondness for him will live on, always!! ❤️🌹

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was one of the greats.

[@jeankroeber2481]

Thank you so much for this fascinating film. I have always loved Gershwin's music. My brother, a cardiologist, died of Glioblastoma within a span of 2 yrs. He went through long periods of not saying anything. It was heartbreaking. At least, we are still left with Mr. Gershwin's beautiful music and it was apparent that while he lived, he was very good at it.

[@prototropo]

I'm really sorry you lost your brother. Your post caught my eye because within a few recent years, I lost both my doctor and my dentist to brain tumors. Beyond my sadness it made me wonder about the environmental risks to health workers.

[@jeankroeber2481]

@@prototropo Thank you. I don't know really. My brother was health-conscious his entire life. He never smoked, drank wine in moderation, ate healthy food. He rode his bike, gardened, rowed (skulling) to his office. And yes, he loved music -- played piano for relaxation. An all-around popular guy, beloved by patients and friends alike. I share in your sadness at having lost both your doctor and dentist to this brutal disease...like being rudderless. You remember them forever. 🙏

[@marykinsella417]

​@@prototropo By

[@joemahma9069]

Excellent effort, Prof. Yorston! The chromatic clarinet slur at the intro to Rhapsody in Blue should cement in the mind of ALL musicians the genius. Thanks much!

[@paulazemeckis7835]

I remember my parents' 78's. And there was one album cover with a woman wrapped in whipped cream. I was a classically trained pianist from 6 through 15. Wish I didn't stop. Enjoyed this vid. I played some of his music. Hello from sunny and warm St. Petersburg, Florida 🌴.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you - I'm glad it inspired you to play his music.

[@faeriesmak]

It’s not too late! You can play again!

[@perrywise2188]

The woman covered in whip cream was an album by Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2GaipyKpbubnJo

[@shavewithdave5339]

Ha… that album, called “Whipped Cream” was the first album I bought 😂

[@franklinshouse8719]

Great video!!! Wonderful. I love Gershwin and his music, and the story of his short life is very interesting.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@xjAlbert]

Thanks for creating this excellent biography of a brilliant composer. I've performed a fair amount of Gershwin's music, including "Let 'Em Eat Cake" and "Of Thee I Sing," but I didn't know many of these biographical details until seeing this video, May 19, 2024.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandramyer7081]

I Love George Gershwin composing and music since i was a kid- Rhapsody if Blue was my favorite on the piano

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was a great composer.

[@ronaldmartin4664]

This is excellent! Thank you so much! As a lifelong lover & student of Gershwin's music, I am deeply grateful. You nailed this genius's personality.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jayanthonywillis3048]

At last! Something on KZbin that was worth watching! Thank you so much! Let me compliment you on your compassionate and comprehesive approach to your subject; it made the story of Gershwin's life and artistic accomplishments all the more enthralling.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@chrish2277]

Great art is timeless. That first glissade of Rhapsody in Blue...epic

[@mikenixon2401]

Very interesting and informative, not only musical, buy neurological as well. I have an extremely rare manifestation of leukodystrophy and am pushing 70 years. It is amazing how both science and music has changed in 90 years. Medically, I'll take my modern treatment. Musically, Gershwin remains a king.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very wise!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

It is a gift to be able to have great researchers, doctors, and treatments at this point in time, so that we can continue to enjoy the great music and art of the past. Continue to enjoy your life.

[@lucindamoran8686]

Wonderful document ary history, of George Gershwin! Thank you!🎉 Rapsody in Blue is one of my most famous songs! What a charming and talented man he was! He left us beautiful music and paintings to remember him always.

[@nessieness5433]

That was an excellent documentary!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@ValeryFarrington]

Hi. What a splendid description of a much loved composer..love his music and his personality. ❤️. Valérie

[@bloomfusion]

Thank you for this. Didn’t realize he died so young.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It was a real tragedy.

[@tango7660]

I love the music of George Gershwin. This documentary is excellent. Thank you

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@AlyraMoondancer]

Thank you very much for this video. I have been a Gershwin fan since I was in junior high school. In 1969 a piano-playing friend of mine played his Second Prelude in C# minor for me and I was hooked. I collected every piece of his that I could find, both records and sheet music; read books about him and Ira; and learned to play piano (sort of - I'm better at guitar and voice) just so I could play his music. I even got to see a live performance of _Porgy and Bess,_ which was awesome. I celebrate George's birthday every year, and his music often dances through my head. Despite all that familiarity, I still learned some new things from your video!

[@annehastings9424]

One of the first records I bought was an EP of Rhapsody in Blue played by Oscar Levant. Love his music, so sad that his life ended in this way. Thank you for documentary and all the great clips.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great recording. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bobtaylor170]

Oscar Levant!! Oh, my!! What a case he was! He was best friend to the Gershwin brothers, and one of the greatest wits in American history. He was also overwhelmed with anxiety disorders and with alcoholism. But he was spontaneously the wittiest man I've ever heard. He was on television with Jack Paar when I was a kid in the early 60s. In the video, you mentioned Vernon Duke. Duke was a White Russian whose family had taken refuge in Turkey, I think it was, after the 1917 Revolution. When he heard Gershwin, he knew he had to meet him. He did, and George Gershwin, grand fellow that he was, took Duke, whose Russian name was Vladimir Dukelsky, under his wing. He suggested that Dukelsky change his name to Vernon Duke. Dukelsy asked Oscar Levant what he thought about it. Levant: "What does it matter? You're destined for oblivion under either name."

[@bobtaylor170]

There's another haunting, great songwriter from that period, Vincent Youmans, who was born within a day of Gershwin. In the 1920s, the tabloid columnists termed them "the rival princes of the Broadway musical" and America's two most eligible bachelors. You may not be familiar with Youmans' songography, but take a look and your eyeballs will pop. Youmans, who his contemporaries thought might have been the most talented of them all, was tortured by such insecurity that he couldn't write unless he was falling - off - the piano bench drunk. In 1931, he came down with tuberculosis, and his doctor said, "If you want to live, you must quit drinking." Youmans did, lived another fifteen years, and as far as anyone knows, never wrote anything again.

[@rayakhedker4003]

Professor, Please do a video linking P.G Wodehouse to the Gershwin brothers? I am an avid fan of Wodehouse and the G brothers and the former talks about the latter in his autobiography Wodehouse on Wodehouse. Or else just do a video on Wodehouse himself. He will certainly be worth your while…but you examine people with “issues” I guess 😢 and I don’t think Wodehouse HAD any issues except an incurable sense of humor, which isn’t/wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea…but those like me, who do/did connect to his ironic humor…we find he absolutely saves the end of even the worst humdinger of a day… Thank you for you’re videos!! They are so unique, charming, and thoroughly researched. 🙏🙏🙏 Raya

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I love Wodehouse too. There has been serious debate over whether being happy is abnormal, so maybe that could be an angle.

[@rayakhedker4003]

@@professorgraemeyorston Hahaha!! Do it! Lol

[@robertmatch6550]

​@professorgraemeyorston Don't know how you feel about the 'House' series, but abnormal happiness (I grew up calling it the Pollyanna effect) is a House concern.

[@nataliegold6584]

Very interesting and enlightening professional view on possible causes of George Gershwins untimely death

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@michelodonnell7240]

Absolutely fascinating

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@prototropo]

What a fantastic biographical essay. I learned so many new aspects of a man whose music and influence over American culture has meant so much to me. This was a huge treat, even if it describes a terrible loss for us all. The drama of his life is a bit reminiscent of several other, too many other, great composers whose lives were terribly abbreviated--Purcell, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Mendelssohn. One detail that felt out of place in such an intelligent, compassionate portrayal is the old descriptor of "illegitimate" to describe a child born to unwed parents. Obviously, no human being, whether squalling infant or intrepid migrant, is inherently illegal or invalid. A newborn baby entering, as we all do, a life not of its choosing and a world not of its making, is the least deserving soul imaginable of such a title. That adjective is instead a very unattractive indictment of a society's own insufficiencies.

[@100thesunking]

great video , thanks. how about a video of Franz Liszt?

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great suggestion!

[@100thesunking]

@@professorgraemeyorston thank you! He’s one of my favorites especially when played by Vladimir Horowitz. Horowitz would also make a great video!

[@gsco82]

Thank you for this very interesting and insightful biography of George Gershwin. I am a great fan of the music of George and Ira Gershwin, as well as George's classical/jazz pieces. His music will last forever.

[@lizkrusenstjerna2149]

Excellent video, Professor Yorston!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Many thanks!

[@joannahoskins7743]

Thank you for this excellent video. I've been a huge fan of George Gershwin since middle school when I saw "American in Paris" and as another commenter has said, ..."and a fan of Gene Kelly." I wish there had been time and space for even more of Gershwin's wonderful compositions. I did hear a bit of Prelude #2, one of my very favorites. Such evocative music.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I would have liked to have given the music more time, but copyright issues make it complex!

[@dinkohrvat344]

Heard it said Rhapsody in Blue is the most perfect piece of music ever written . I am not sure but it does come close . Thank you for this documentary it was Brilliant .

[@musiciankellett]

Thank you for a fascinating and richly detailed insight into a composer whose genius still moves and inspires. I had read that Gershwin wrote Rhapsody in Blue on the train because he had forgotten that he had agreed to write it and basically winged the piano part because he hadn't had time to score the piano part. It may not be true, but it's a great story.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was a great improviser so it may well be true.

[@michelemaxwell9261]

Thank you for this exceptional doccie on George Gershwin. Was riveted! and so sad that no one diagnosed his condition. Have always loved his music!❤

[@Iceland874]

I use to fall asleep aa a toddler to Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris. I love the Gershwin brothers’ songs. My favorite is the collection “Gershwin Plays Gershwin”. Thank you for the nice video and history.

[@timriley4543]

Easily one of my favorite composer/songwriters of all time. I remember as an 8 year old kid, back in the late 50s, stealing my older bros copy of Porgy and Bess and being totally captivated by it. I played it over and over - probably to my parent's consternation. When my bro played me Rhapsody in Blue and later An American in Paris - that was it. What a genius.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was indeed.

[@jimmieloge575]

I enjoyed learning more about George Gershwin, what a Wonderfully Talented man he was! It's Obvious that he worked Very Hard and became Greatly Successful! What a Terrible thing that happened to him, this brain tumor robbing him of his Very Young Life 😢!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It is such a sad story.

[@jshea7432]

Thank you Professor Yorston for this excellent video on the creative and social life of George Gershwin. Over my 70 years I was drawn with love for much of the music you havwe highligted for us in this video class. I am amazed to leaarn that Porgy and Bess was not a success because I thought it was one of the most beautiful works on American racial history and still love these beautiful personalities singing their beautiful songs such as "Summertime". Something of the times maybe. They were different of course being post war and pre-war with the worldwide collapse of economies born on Wall Street. You did a wonderful job creating and presenting your scholarship. Tx again. Jim in Boston 5/23/24

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim!

[@nicipeper5288]

I so enjoy your videos- thank you so much. Gershwin has been an inspiration to me as a pianist, a singer, and the whole reason I took up clarinet in school. I never knew about his life and love him now all the more.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@AndyWitmyer]

As a kid in the 1980s and 90s, my friends were all listening to MC Hammer and New Kids on the Block, while in my house, I listened to "Rapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" and other Gershwin masterpieces on my parent's old record player. That I still write music to this very day is, in part, because I felt so inspired by his works. To be honest, despite my fondness for his music, until now, I didn't actually know very much about his personal life - as such, I found this short documentary of yours to be quite informative, and fascinating. I can tell that you genuinely love and appreciate his contributions to music, which made it a joy to watch.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Thank you for this excellent presentation, Professor.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@StanGraham1]

Thank you doctor for giving us one of the most outstanding biographies of one of the greatest composers of all time. Expertly researched and extremely balanced presentation. I look forward to watching more of your work.

[@user-pt1ow8hx5l]

ThankYou professor!!!!! What a pleasant saturday morning surprise. Will llisten emmediately.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@marykilgarriff3550]

Thank you for your documentary. Well presented and very interesting. I learned many of his tunes at my piano lessons when I was young. I loved his music then and I still like to rattle the ivories in his memory. Best wishes from an Irish pensioner. 🇮🇪

[@weiloong7]

Most outstanding dear Sir!! 👏👏👏

[@teresabrown6523]

Very informative and enjoyable - thank you!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@iamjane9628]

That was incredibly interesting and informative. I knew none of this about George Gershwin. I just discovered your channel and have subscribed. I can't wait to watch more of your lectures!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard!

[@lilibethgreenway5017]

Thank you for educating me on one of America's most famous composers with whose biography I wasn't acquainted.

[@cheryltaylor1547]

This was sad but greatly appreciated ❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@jimdrake3436]

According to Mitch Miller, who toured with Gershwin in 1935, when the two of them were leaving a hall following an afternoon rehearsal, Gershwin exclaimed, "Somebody is burning tires near here!" and pinched his nose with his fingers. Miller said nothing--and had smelled nothing but fresh air.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Which suggests he had a more slow growing tumour which could have been treated successfully.

[@alexvlasny9755]

This is absolutely fascinating story of amazing person’s life. Thank you.

[@susydyson1750]

One of my very favourite composer song writer teams I knew nothing about thank you ! I live in the north of Peru and love coming across these fascinating stories I’d love to know of Cole Porter

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeremymahrer1832]

Thank you Again Graeme !!! I think i first became aware of him when i went to see Woody Allen's Manhattan. Never knew anything about him. Well now i do. Really enjoyed your comments on alcohol !!!. My Father died of brain tumour, which was mis-diagnosed until i demanded a then "new" cat scan. I hope things have changed today, Ohh shit just realised we've had 14 yrs of the Tories.....Any way i wonder whos next ?? Once more Thank You.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it. I can still remember the time when "old people" didn't get CAT scans!

[@kellypeterson2625]

Fantastic!!! Thank you for this!!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You're very welcome!

[@rosemaryfranzese317]

Thank you for this wonderful video. A sensible, well researched work that doesn’t dish dirt on a superbly talented man

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@composer7325]

thank you for an excellent video.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.