Guide Note: George Gershwin was an American composer born of Russian Immigrant parents. With his brother, Ira Gershwin, he wrote the scores for several classic recordings and musical plays. He never married but was a long time companion of composer Kay Swift. After his death he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for "Distinguished and enduring contributions to American music".
Fast Facts:
- Born: September 26, 1898
- Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York
- Real Name: Jacob Gershowitz
- Died: July 11, 1937 following brain surgery
- 1938: Oscar Nominee for the song "Shall We Dance"
- 2005: Declared by The Guardian to be the "richest composer of all time"
- 2006: Inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame
