George Gershwin was an American composer known for pieces like "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" and popular songs like "I Got Rhythm" and "Summertime."
Gershwin was born in New York City in 1898 and started his musical career early — he was just 15 when he started promoting music on Tin Pan Alley.
Most of Gershwin's music is fun and playful, but he actually started out wanting to be a more "serious" composer.
Listen to this week's episodes to hear one of his few "serious" works, a piece inspired by a rainy bus ride, a performance by jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald and more!
Tune in to Kids Commute Monday through Friday at 7:40 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. on Classical IPR, or listen any time at the links below!
Want to hear more of Gershwin's music? The Interlochen Arts Academy's Gershwin Gala is this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and will feature award-winning pianist Kevin Cole and lots of Gershwin hits!
We couldn't invite George Gershwin to join us on the radio, but these folks could! Check out his performance and interview from the 1930s.
Learn about a unique instrument Gershwin used in "An American in Paris": The taxi horns!
Emily Duncan Wilson is Kids Commute's producer.
