Ira Gershwin: The Poet of the American Songbook

Introduction:

Ira Gershwin, the lyricist behind some of the most iconic songs in American music history, stands as a towering figure in the world of popular song and musical theater. As the elder brother and frequent collaborator of composer George Gershwin, Ira contributed the words to some of the most enduring standards of the 20th century. His wit, elegance, and inventive rhymes shaped the sound of an era, earning him a place as one of the foremost lyricists of the Great American Songbook. Yet Ira’s legacy often lives in the shadow of his younger brother’s fame, despite his singular contributions to music and culture.

A Humble Beginning in New York City:

Born Israel Gershowitz one hundred and twenty-eight years ago today on December 6, 1896, in New York City, Ira was the first child of Morris and Rose Gershowitz, Jewish immigrants from Russia. Growing up in a modest household, Ira and his younger brother George were immersed in the music and rhythms of immigrant neighborhoods. While George took to the piano and pursued a career as a composer from an early age, Ira initially seemed less inclined toward the arts. Shy and bookish, Ira was drawn more to literature than music, a passion that would later define his career as a lyricist.

Ira Gershwin attended Townsend Harris High School, an elite institution for gifted students, where he first forged a lifelong friendship with Yip Harburg, the future lyricist behind “Over the Rainbow.” United by their mutual admiration for the clever wordplay of Gilbert and Sullivan, the two developed a deep appreciation for lyricism that would shape their artistic pursuits. Later, Ira enrolled at City College of New York but left before completing his degree, setting the stage for his journey into the world of songwriting.

A Partnership Takes Shape:

Ira’s path to lyric writing was anything but direct. In the early 1920s, George Gershwin had already begun to make a name for himself as a composer of popular songs and Broadway musicals. Ira, meanwhile, was working in a variety of jobs unrelated to music, including as a cashier in his father’s Turkish bathhouse. His break came in 1921 when he adopted the pen name Arthur Francis (a nod to his younger siblings, Arthur and Frances) and co-wrote the lyrics for the musical “Two Little Girls in Blue” with composer Vincent Youmans. This modest success emboldened Ira to pursue songwriting more seriously.

In 1924, the Gershwin brothers teamed up for the first time on a full-length musical, “Lady, Be Good!.” The show was an instant hit, introducing songs like “Fascinating Rhythm” and “Oh, Lady Be Good!” that showcased Ira’s sophisticated wordplay and George’s exuberant melodies. The success of “Lady, Be Good!” marked the beginning of one of the most productive and celebrated partnerships in American musical history.

The Golden Age of Gershwin:

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Ira and George collaborated on a series of Broadway musicals that defined the era, including “Funny Face” (1927), “Strike Up the Band” (1927), “Girl Crazy” (1930), and “Of Thee I Sing” (1931). The latter made history as the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, cementing the Gershwins’ reputation as innovators who could blend satire, romance, and social commentary with unforgettable songs.

Ira’s lyrics from this period are masterpieces of wit and invention. His ability to craft internal rhymes, clever puns, and evocative imagery elevated popular song lyrics to the level of poetry. Consider the opening lines of “I Got Rhythm” from “Girl Crazy:”

“I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man, Who could ask for anything more?”

Simple yet profound, these words capture an infectious joy that has made the song a standard in jazz and popular music. Ira’s genius lay in his ability to make the complex appear effortless, whether through playful humor or tender sentiment.

“Porgy and Bess:” A Monumental Collaboration

The Gershwins’ crowning achievement came in 1935 with “Porgy and Bess,” a groundbreaking “folk opera” based on DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy.” The work blended elements of classical music, jazz, blues, and spirituals to tell the story of a Black community in Charleston, South Carolina. While George’s score is often hailed as a masterpiece, Ira’s contributions to the libretto and lyrics were equally vital. Songs like “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” exemplify Ira’s sensitivity to character and setting, as well as his ability to adapt his style to suit the opera’s unique demands.

Despite its initial mixed reception, “Porgy and Bess” has since become one of the most celebrated works in the American repertoire, performed by opera companies and jazz musicians alike. It stands as a testament to the Gershwins’ shared vision and artistic daring.

Life After George:

The sudden death of George Gershwin in 1937 at the age of 38 was a devastating blow to Ira. For a time, he retreated from songwriting, struggling to find his creative footing without his brother. Yet Ira’s career did not end with George’s passing. He went on to collaborate with other composers, including Jerome Kern (“Cover Girl,” 1944), Kurt Weill (“Lady in the Dark,” 1941), and Harold Arlen (“A Star Is Born,” 1954). Though these later works never achieved the same iconic status as his collaborations with George, they further demonstrated Ira’s versatility and enduring talent.

One of Ira’s most famous post-George songs is “The Man That Got Away,” written with Harold Arlen for the 1954 film “A Star Is Born.” Sung by Judy Garland, the song is a poignant example of Ira’s gift for blending emotional depth with lyrical elegance.

A Legacy of Words:

Ira Gershwin’s influence on American music and culture cannot be overstated. His lyrics have been recorded by generations of artists, from Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to contemporary interpreters like Diana Krall and Michael Feinstein. The Gershwin songbook remains a cornerstone of jazz and popular music, with songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” continuing to captivate listeners worldwide.

Ira Gershwin received numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career, cementing his legacy as one of America’s most celebrated lyricists. Three of his songs—”They Can’t Take That Away From Me” (1937), “Long Ago (and Far Away)” (1944), and “The Man That Got Away” (1954)—were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, though none ultimately won the coveted prize. In 1932, Ira, alongside George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the satirical musical “Of Thee I Sing,” marking a historic recognition of his contributions to American theater.

The Quiet Genius:

While George Gershwin’s virtuosity as a composer often takes center stage, Ira’s role as a lyricist was no less essential to the duo’s success. His words gave voice to George’s melodies, turning abstract musical ideas into vivid expressions of love, humor, and humanity. Ira’s work embodies the best of the American spirit: inventive, optimistic, and deeply heartfelt.

As we reflect on Ira Gershwin’s life and legacy, it becomes clear that his artistry transcends mere collaboration. He was a poet in his own right, a master of language who understood the power of words to move and inspire. In the annals of American music, Ira Gershwin will always be remembered as the quiet genius who gave us songs that will never fade.

References:

1. Furia, P. (1997). Ira Gershwin: The Art of the Lyricist. Oxford University Press.
2. Ira Gershwin picture. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ira_Gershwin_1925.jpg