As a popular jazz musician and composer, Gershwin’s composition spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best-known works are the orchestral composition Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and An American in Paris (1928) as well as the opera Porgy and Bess (1935)
Growing up in the diverse neighborhood of Lower East Manhattan, Gershwin’s first source of inspiration, something he called a “flashing revelation”, came in the schoolyard while playing ball with his peers. He dropped everything he was doing at the sound of a classmate performing Dvorak’s Humoresque.
Stumbling into music by accident, he learned that he had a knack for music and would practice and play piano constantly. Through his teachers Charles Hambitzer and Edward Kilenyi, he flourished and began to pursue a career in music.
With the help others, Gershwin was able to get jobs working in Broadway. From there he wrote his biggest hit, "Swanee" in 1919 when Al Jolson sing over it. His song sold millions of copies, raising his success and popularity.
Trying to expand his horizons, Gershwin attended international concerts to see what other different artists were up to. Eventually he would preform on international stages with his debut along side Eva Gauthier.
Despite his success in other works, his folk opera "Porgy and Bess " received a lot of criticism and disappointment. People couldn't discern if he was trying to write an opera, folk opera or musical. There was also a racial debate on whether it was a "real negro opera".
A tumor began to grow within his brain and after a failed brain surgery he died very quickly in 1937. Before his death he did recounted to his sister however that he did do most of the things he wanted to.