Gershwin Documentary

[@ruthhellkamp926]

The greatest musical influence in my life....i have adored Gershwin's music since I was about 8 yrs. old. No explanation for this obsession..other than the genius of his composition. I saw American in Paris as a child, and in the darkness of the movie theater as Oscar Levant played Concerto in F...I jabbed my mothers' arm, and told her "Mommy, that's what i want to do" And,...somehow by some miracle...i ended up being a professional pianist here in New York for over 40 years,,,,playing his music through all 4 decades...and never tiring of it!

[@LorettaKayfeld]

Thank you Ruth for writing such beautiful and sincere words. I too delight in studying the harmonies of Gershwin. His music will live on in the hearts of millions.

[@windingroad9678]

My granddaughter is 5 and plays piano, can't wait till i can hear her play Gershwin

[@thorangla2853]

Beautifully said and I love that you made that dream come true.

[@dianahill5116]

Porgy and Bess: In my college English class, my teacher taught English using opera. ****My teacher didn't discuss the history of the controversies, regarding Blacks and their history. ____ I was adopted. The emotional, mental, physical and verbal abuse started on the first day. When I was about twelve years old, my adopted father said, at the dinner table: (paraphrasing) "I would never hire a Black man." 'They're lazy," At twelve years old, I didn't know what a bigot was. Nor did I know the phrase "White Cracker." (Thursday, March 2, 2023.)

[@gennyaguilar7984]

A great talent

[@natalyamark]

He was a unique genius . Mozart, Schubert, Gershwin......God needed them young....

[@joelleson3313]

I'm 78. I grew up on Gershwin. I couldn't do much better than that.

[@richardscally694]

100%

[@nikjohnson832]

The first time I heard Rhapsody in blue I was 18 at a party on a military boat docked at Circular Quay Sydney in 1964, it has stuck in my mind since then, of course I now know every music score of Gerswins concerto’s, jazz etc. I am now 76 & am blessed to come from a theatrical family & was brought up on the best of music, my mother would sing all day & when she lost her voice down the track, all the neighbours would complain why my mum stopped singing, she had a voice like Mumma Cass Elliot. I remember one day whilst driving & the song dream a little dream of me, came on the radio, I thought how come my mum is singing on the radio…..😮

[@charisserempel23]

Amazingly talented. I so wish the younger generation would slow down long enough to listen to these iconic songs. Absolutely beautiful.

[@betsybeatty2783]

SOOO TRUE‼

[@geraldjampol3120]

Hell will freeze over before that happens. Mass popular culture has rotted too many brains. It's no overstatement to call it tragic.

[@lorihenderson673]

They do... Any decent rapper understands the heritage x

[@johanjohansen7572]

I am 17 and only listen to classical music and jazz, also I only wear 1940s clothing. But I am one of very few in my generation, sadly.

[@deathslayer2178]

I am 11 and I love classical music and jazz

[@sandiangel]

Every time I watch this documentary, I cry. Our Love Is Here To Stay. Both Gershwins were so talented.

[@weiloong7]

Most OUSTANDING!!! The Magnificent Works of George Gerswhin. He single-handedly wrote and created unique original American Music! George Gershwin's Classic Work still live on till today, and will live on in all the tomorrows to come!

[@ulfschack]

Don’t forget all the nice cowboy-y stuff that came from Dvorak, in the New World.

[@brianoyler706]

Rhapsody In Blue: America's classical jazz composition which was created at the right time and place. Girl Crazy, An American In Paris: the music for these shows is phenomenal. The music became American standards. Thank you, George Gershwin!!!

[@reginaroth2543]

It's incredible that he lived a short life and did so much. I loved his music so much.

[@PDN11141]

He was and remains an incredible talent. Gerschwin sound and skill along with Ira's words, both stunning, genius.

[@Sonja14athome]

My father was a classical pianist. He played with great finesse and passion. My very favorite memories are of him playing Chopin, Waltz in C# min and Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue.

[@viennapalace]

One gift my father passed on to me was the love of music & Gershwin was his favorite. Thanks Dad. That's the greatest gift a man can give his son.

[@janinecox256]

This was when A and E was worth something to watch instead of the garbage that they are showing on this cable channel now in 2020!

[@njaco08]

MTV has no music. The History Channel has no history and A&E has no arts and entertainment. WTF???

[@elainelosee7974]

Gosh, how brilliant you are in showing the best of history, our music. Thank you, for sharing the bestest, always. You alwsys know what to teach us, thank you.You're wonderful 👏 💛 ❤ 💖 💗 ♥ 👏 💛

[@DavidTheHypnotist]

It’s 2021, you should see what crap is on now lol

[@johnfgranzow6587]

@@njaco08 thank

[@donaldsaigh8785]

@@njaco08 We can be thankful for the first.

[@annaelsebarbelgoldbeck-low3659]

Thank you very, very, very much for this smashing documentary. Born 1947, September 26 and not allowed to listen to any american composition as a pupil of church organists in Wetfalia /Germany I am glad to learn and enjoy Gershwins music now in my seventiyfive birthday year! :-) THANK YOU!

[@paulakpacente]

One of my favorite composers of ALL TIME!

[@bobcurrier7983]

Hello Paula, How are you doing?

[@Dylonely_9274]

A genius like no other, I really wish that his opera will be more performed in the future because it is currently very overlooked.

[@vin.handle]

It is always interesting to hear the testimony of people who actually knew the intimate character and personality of a genius who died so young.

[@geofftrigger8165]

Such wonderful music he gave to the world. Thankfully not forgotten..here to stay!

[@justanotherbohemian3827]

Summertime...such a masterpiece!

[@taniagilbody1745]

Thanks to Billie Holiday

[@justanotherbohemian3827]

@@taniagilbody1745 I'd say thanks to the composer. There are many breathtaking renditions but someone had to write the song first...

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

I'm so glad my mom and dad taught me to enjoy the beauty of music George and Ira Favor 2 geniuses Rest in peace beautiful Souls Play your beautiful music In the heaven of God with the angels

[@helmiprechter9097]

My whole life I am happily living with those tunes!

[@godbluffvdgg]

I've loved Gershwin's music for decades, but I knew nothing of his life...Thanks so much for the upload!

[@lenhummel5614]

Gershwin was the preeminent genius of the fusion of classical and jazz. Never to be surpassed.

[@ealswytheangelicrealms]

Len Hummel - a close 2nd was an English pianist and bandleader named Fred Elizalde.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@ealswytheangelicrealms Fred studied and recorded in England- his band was dismissed by the Savoy Hotel for not playing danceable arrangements. But his family were rich Spanish landowners in the Philippines. After Fred's flirtation with jazz, he went on to found the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

[@lily.s3239]

I just love this guy. I cry, I miss him.

[@vickitaylor680]

Gershwin is so fun to play, the chords are always a surprise. According to his friends, he more than “likeed” Paulette Goddard. Her refusal to leave Charlie Chaplin left him bereft and despondent. I think it was part of the longing in his music that he never had a true love. One of my favorite pieces of his now is the lullaby he wrote in 1919. Beautiful and sweet. It was wonderful to see a young, handsome Michael Tilson Thomas.

[@therezabjorklund353]

Thank you for this most wonderful documentary. I just atttended Hershey Felders GERSHWIN ALONE and loved the show. This documentary complements the wonderful trip into George and Ira Gershwin life, talent, and creativity. Thank you!! May they and those who graced this video and made our lives so much happier with their songs and dances and creativity RIP.🙏🙏

[@joyceleeder8762]

My most favorite Gershwin's songs is "Our Love is Here to Stay"

[@kidneyguyable]

As the story goes, Ira wrote the lyrics just after George's tragic death and the song is one of brotherly love--Ira saying that the love between them was "Here to Stay"

[@ArmidaFlores-pj4ds]

Ironically, the other day; PBS had Gershwin on at 200 am ; I woke up seen a brain scan on show. I googled what Gershwin died of …. I cried ; it was GLIOBLASTOMA . Ironically , I was recently diagnosed with the same. I said to myself “ wow what a beautiful talented mind” Thank you for inspiration .

[@MrWoofie62]

I hope you recover soon, Sending my best wishes to you.

[@cavendish009]

My mother loved Gershwin's music and instilled that love in me !!!!

[@aeolianharp1363]

national treasure, a gift to the world

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Many years ago, when The Gershwin Theater was dedicated, there was a TV special where various artists performed the Gershwin's music. Sting sang an a cappella version of "Someone To Watch Over Me" and it was the most powerful number presented that night. I still get chills when I remember that

[@imonthebox1148]

People, please dont forget Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin's lyric writing brother....

[@MilenPavlovicAgoton]

George Gershwin You discovered your soul on the stars level To our for love J venture to name this melody that your soul proper only for you - SWING - SOUL George Gershwin Thank you very much

[@flashflame4952]

George Gershwin's music reminds me of my parents apartment. They were big music fans of all types of music. Thankfully there was only one stereo in the living room so I got hear everything from Chopin, Gershwin, Jazz and world music. Watching Fred and Ginger movies with my mom always turned me onto something that Gershwin wrote. Rhapsody in Blue is still one of my most favorite compositions of his.

[@LorettaKayfeld]

Remove the video games of today, remove the computers where children isolate themselves behind screens, remove the loneliness of societies that long for real company and replace it all with the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin.. Let's teach generations to come about the real meaning of a life lived with 'real' and everlasting music that should be here to stay!

[@Dylonely_9274]

May he rest in peace. Gershwin brothers should be remembered for ever.

[@MultiVirginian]

He was a genius. Songs and music are classic of the time. My favourite pianist.

[@suntzu6122]

One of the best!!

[@Dylonely_9274]

If not the best…

[@brendacole5149]

I could not help but weep for the loss of this genius

[@cskarbek1]

a very moving portrait of a genius driven to push the boundaries of music and the american experience! thanks so much for posting this. i needed this!

[@phyllisurman-klein9038]

George and Ira were undoubtedly the creative team but his significant relationship with Frankie should also be acknowledged. I was fortunate to have met her and share footage of her escapades with George in Paris.

[@CatherineMaisano]

I’m sti young and I love all his music. He was a great composer

[@ivomondini4018]

Emocionante ! Gershwin é sem dúvida um dos maiores gênios musicais da música contemporânea. Com uma obra arquitetada a partir de seu espírito jovem, Gershwin criou melodias e formas harmônicas que remodelaram a música do século XX.

[@donaldsaigh8785]

This documentary was originally one of the first episodes of the PBS series "American Masters" that aired back in 1987.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

It feels more like American Masters.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

Thank you. PBS Programming is wonderful, IMO.

[@Aussie_Haire_Wood]

Thank you so much for uploading this documentary. I adore Gershwin music and watching this show let me feel a little in love for a while.

[@ktkat1949]

Gershwin is my favourite composer. Always cry when you realize how young he was when he died. What he could have done to music had he had lived longer. Love Georges Guetary version 'Paradise. You can see how he is enjoying the music. Tapping his feet to the music.

[@robbyosborne9708]

If he didn't get that brain tumor, he would've lived for another 50 to 60 years.

[@fvazquez64]

So sad such that a genius and creative mind had to leave so young... Thanks for sharing!!

[@jamesdean780]

Wonderful, interesting, in depth documentary. Always loved his music. All of it. Well done.

[@Dylonely_9274]

George Gershwin is extremely underrated for what he was.

[@starfIightYT]

I have seen you a lot in many of the Gershwin videos. Is he your favorite artist?

[@Dylonely_9274]

@@starfIightYT Yes, he is !

[@Robotina-e8u]

Maybe then, but certainly not now.

[@Dylonely_9274]

@@Robotina-e8u Of course he still remains very underrated for the man he was.

[@miketackabery7521]

​​@@Dylonely_9274I don't think so. His songs will never be underrated, but his long form music is so different/unique that it doesn't fit in well with the "classical" genre. Everyone else can be placed within it, but he can't. Also he just flat died too young and didn't leave a lot of long form. That has a really detrimental effect on reputation. But regardless, he's a musical immortal. Period. He'll never go out of style or fashion. Unlike plenty of others with big reputations.

[@carmelogaa521]

Thank you Sherway Academy Of Music!

[@ruthdengate15]

Wonderful man. So talented gone but not forgotten.🌟🌟

[@owlfethurz8377]

Gershwin's gift for music was pure genius. Highlights: Michael Feinstein. Judy Garland's singing "But not for me". Rhapsody in Blue. Thanks for the post!

[@marcellepesek3038]

What a beautiful biography! So well presented, interesting from first to last moment. Thank you so much for uploading this lovely BBC tribute to one, actually two, of the greatest musical geniuses of all time! Those melodies and lyrics! He died young, but fortunately led a full life, giving us a whole new genre of music, unique and marvelous. I am so grateful for all great music, as it elevates us and brings us together, no matter what language we speak! Good wishes to everyone out there!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

'Love George Gershwin. I could listen to Rhapsody in Blue, American in Paris, or Concerto in F anytime. 😁

[@marilyntape508]

I love George so much and hope that I can shake his hand when I get to Heaven 😊❤️🇦🇺

[@melanieohara6941]

Watching this during Second Lockdown in Wyoming-Thank You!😷

[@greghemlock6679]

In Colorado

[@voicesbysonia]

In Chicago !

[@melanieohara6941]

@@voicesbysonia Stay warm and safe, Sonia! Cheers🌹

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Southern California checking in. Ballanchine will be next...

[@Kim-Berly200]

Washington DC

[@dinahjackson8146]

Absolutely LOOOVED this ! 😘😘😘 THANK you ! ❤

[@debralerner68]

He was predicting the future way ahead of his time no one can ever surprass him

[@Aussie1276]

One of my all time favourites

[@gracielalaplace9090]

Me encanta, me estremece, y me hace bailar y reir, adorable, gracias,

[@viejoklezmer]

GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS. No puedo olvidar su nombre original...George Gershwin (nacido Jacob Gershovitz

[@bethbartlett5692]

*George and Ira G.* That era was Rich in Art, Literature, Music, and particularly Composers: Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, Sammy Cahn, Irvin Berlin, and THE Gershwins, George and Ira, and later Nelson Riddle (that man could Swing!) Reminds me of the Literary Genius Group, "the Lost Generation", hanging out with Hemingway, in Paris. Imagine, they saw Django Rinehart, best Jazz guitarist ever. Stellar choice in 84'. Of course us Americans do Big, - Large, and a Large Event Grand. That was definitely "Grand Scale", *84, that's Eighty Four Grand Pianos!* and "It Fit"... *"Rhaposidy in Blue"* An amazing piece of music. (When use to a more modern arrangement, it makes me nuts listening to a way slower version. Example: "But Not for Me" should Swing in my head. Such a great Song.) ...and I never knew George wrote "Summertime" ...and the living is easy. An Outstanding Song that allows the Vocalist vast Interpretation potentials. It is one of the best pieces ever written.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

And what do we have today? RAP!!! What a disgrace to music and mankind. Those musical giants are turning over in their graves.

[@suziewonder9660]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful man’s history!

[@WalterFelottini]

Concert for piano in F, mi favorite

[@James_Bowie]

'Of Thee I Sing' could do with a re-working for 2020!

[@miketackabery7521]

For every election. Every year.

[@marvinmeeker5765]

There is an anecdote from the book TRY AND STOP ME by Bennett Cerf, 1944. It tells that Gershwin composed one song which he never published. He played that song for numerous young ladies, telling each one he wrote the song "Just for her". It was too bad about that tumor. By the time it was diagnosed, he only had a month or two left. BTW misspelled Anne Sothern's name.

[@MrWoofie62]

Marvellous documentary. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@bluesquirrel3919]

Thank you George and Ira 🎶🎹💕

[@florencemoran2746]

What a great contribution to the American Story!

[@chivalrouslee]

Thanks for uploading it :)

[@4Youalone3]

Our Queens NYC Senior Stars just did a Gershwin review last night. It was wonderful. It will be on You Tube shortly.

[@FretnesButke]

Thanks so much for posting.Superbly and intelligently made biography. Very appealing to musicians and knowledgeable about the subject.

[@TeganKosterProject]

Porgy and Bess ❤️❤️❤️

[@JohnDonovanProductions]

Yknow … it really is amazing to think that almost every piece that was written in Hollywood by George and Ira occurred during the last 11 months of George’s life. A one-picture deal with RKO, an option for a second, and the possibility of a feature for Samuel Goldwyn were the prospects that convinced The brothers to go West in August 1936.

[@seuradu8065]

Gershwin is the first composer to bring jazz into the symphonic style that only he managed to present Genial. The King of Jazz.

[@johnmc3862]

The King of Jazz composition.

[@annamummy4166]

This was excellent. What a genius!!!

[@baylorsailor]

That A&E intro just unlocked childhood memories!

[@jamestulk5111]

He was the greatest composer of the 20th Century. Linda Rondstadt, Harry Nilsson and Brian Wilson (he recorded a whole album of Gershwin songs and was asked by the Gershwin estate to finish two that George never completed). The second greatest album of all time, voted by readers of Rolling Stone was 'Pet Sounds' by the Beach Boys (composed by Wilson) I hear Gershwin everywhere in Wilson's compositions. Right down to the taxi horn in 'You Still Believe In Me'. I even hear Gershwin in Prog Rock. They rework some of his cord sequences and voila. Thank you Maestro.

[@nejuw]

When America truly was great, celebrating all the cultures and races instead of the racism of today. The music to an Irish child was magic and exciting - and as an adult now, still fills me with joy.

[@bruceweaver1518]

The American Composer that could be placed with Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Wagner as a musical genius that was distinctively American.

[@Dylonely_9274]

I totally agree with you.

[@joantenser]

Fascinating!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

"Rhapsody in Blue", the True Anthem of New York City.

[@AllenPMinton]

Thank you for posting this wonderful program. Virgil Thompson was obviously very jealous of Gershwin's success.

[@bonnie_gail]

With you sister, from Canada

[@floxy20]

Holy crap! I remember this turkey said the same sorts of things about Cole Porter.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

To be fair, he was introduced as a lyricist. Obviously, he was not as accomplished as Gershwin. Some people are too bitter to be kind about the successes of others.

[@miketackabery7521]

Thomson was a self-important musical snob whose compositions are dusted off only rarely, and for good reason.

[@tenrebla]

Una música para la Eternidad !

[@JWP452]

This was wonderful!!

[@Chesterton7]

Beautiful.

[@marilyntape508]

I love the part which Ira wanted to put back in 😊❤️🇦🇺

[@Robertbrucelockhart]

When the History Channel wasn’t crap

[@johnmclean2274]

It’s from PBS American Masters

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@johnmclean2274 The History Channel's docu was 'When Aliens Abducted Ira and George'.

[@christiansanden8005]

This amazing died too young, a real genious

[@Jewriffic]

All three live on. What a concept.

[@מרגריטהרוזנשטיין]

Спасибо.

[@MegaFreh]

Thanks for posting!

[@dongiorgio1096]

great talent gigantic loss.one of a kind americas verdi,

[@kyleethekelt]

Mendelson? More like Beethoven. I think they'd be getting on famously. And he had such a distinctive and flamboyant style of playing, as if he was enjoying himself hugely but also tossing everything off with contemptuous ease. You couldn't mistake his playing for anyone else's.

[@miketackabery7521]

The Mendelssohn comparison fits after a fashion: he was also interested and accomplished in a great many things, and was a social lion like Gershwin. Truth be told, Gershwin was inimitable. Can't really be compared to anyone.

[@clareselgin3208]

Ella at around 30 minutes in. Wow

[@charleskesner1302]

Wonderful

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Love it

[@--Skip--]

It is reported by Ira, George's brother, that the last words he uttered was, "Fred Astaire."

[@joanodom2104]

Thankfully, Michael Feinstein keeps the legacy alive!

[@maryc.grider2691]

A gift from God to all of us.

[@PhillipJames100]

Excellent...thank you.