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Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words
The man behind some of the most memorable lyrics in the great American songbook emerges from his brother’s shadow.
The Pulitzer Prize–winning American lyricist Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) has been hailed as one of the masters of the Great American Songbook—songs written largely for Broadway and Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now, in the first full-length biography devoted to his life, Ira Gershwin steps out at last from the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother George.
It’s a life with a sharp dividing line; we witness Ira’s transformation by George’s death at thirty-eight. From carefree dreamer and successful lyricist, he becomes guardian of his brother’s legacy and manager of complex family dynamics, even while continuing to practice his craft with composers like Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern.
Drawing on extensive archival sources and often using Ira’s own words, Michael Owen offers a rich portrait of the modest man who penned the words to many of America’s best-loved songs.
The Pulitzer Prize–winning American lyricist Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) has been hailed as one of the masters of the Great American Songbook—songs written largely for Broadway and Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now, in the first full-length biography devoted to his life, Ira Gershwin steps out at last from the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother George.
It’s a life with a sharp dividing line; we witness Ira’s transformation by George’s death at thirty-eight. From carefree dreamer and successful lyricist, he becomes guardian of his brother’s legacy and manager of complex family dynamics, even while continuing to practice his craft with composers like Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern.
Drawing on extensive archival sources and often using Ira’s own words, Michael Owen offers a rich portrait of the modest man who penned the words to many of America’s best-loved songs.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
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2311 people want to read
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Michael Owen
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 4, 2025
Ira Gershwin, the lyricist to many of his brother George's song, will no longer live in the shadow of his brilliant brother who died at 38. It's an interesting biography of a man who really was an amazing wordsmith. He even won a Pulitzer Prize! There's plenty of family drama and highs and lows in his life.
December 31, 2024
I received this newly published book as a Christmas present and read it with enthusiasm.
There have been many books written about George Gershwin but only a couple about his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. Until now, there has not been a serious, well researched biography. Michael Owen worked for years with the Ira and Leonora Gershwin Trusts and ultimately became manager of Ira's archive, so he had access to some material no one else has had. The result is a well-informed, sympathetic, readable biography. Ira's personality emerges with considerably more clarity than in any other book.
In the end, this is about as good as a 300 page biography can be. I realize a 500 or 600 page biography would not be economically feasible. However, I personally would like some more detail.
The passages about Ira's finances are interesting. Most of his income was connected to the George Gershwin Estate (since Ira had written the lyrics to most of George's songs). That estate was mired in legal complexities that involved Gershwin's mother and other siblings. The income from various iterations of Porgy and Bess were also entangled with the widow of DuBose Heyward. Thus, Ira's finances were not always as comfortable and reliable as I had always assumed. I would like more, and more clearly articulated, information about that.
Owen includes a little new information about the genesis of different song lyrics and explanations of various slang references. I would also like more of that.
But--I am grateful for this book. It is a significant addition to Gershwin literature.
There have been many books written about George Gershwin but only a couple about his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. Until now, there has not been a serious, well researched biography. Michael Owen worked for years with the Ira and Leonora Gershwin Trusts and ultimately became manager of Ira's archive, so he had access to some material no one else has had. The result is a well-informed, sympathetic, readable biography. Ira's personality emerges with considerably more clarity than in any other book.
In the end, this is about as good as a 300 page biography can be. I realize a 500 or 600 page biography would not be economically feasible. However, I personally would like some more detail.
The passages about Ira's finances are interesting. Most of his income was connected to the George Gershwin Estate (since Ira had written the lyrics to most of George's songs). That estate was mired in legal complexities that involved Gershwin's mother and other siblings. The income from various iterations of Porgy and Bess were also entangled with the widow of DuBose Heyward. Thus, Ira's finances were not always as comfortable and reliable as I had always assumed. I would like more, and more clearly articulated, information about that.
Owen includes a little new information about the genesis of different song lyrics and explanations of various slang references. I would also like more of that.
But--I am grateful for this book. It is a significant addition to Gershwin literature.
December 16, 2025
Excellent, specialized biography of unmatched lyricist Ira Gershwin that sheds light on Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, the rise of musicals, and the numerous composers, lyricists and actors that crossed his path (ie. Kurt Weill, Arthur Schwartz, Danny Kaye, Judy Garland etc.). Author Michael Owen, Ira Gershwin's archivist, has the real inside skinny on the business/financial side of Ira's affairs -- details you won't find anywhere else. I found the run-downs of royalty rates, investments etc. to be quite fascinating -- then again, I am the son of a music lawyer. In any case, the book is about much more than Ira's business -- it chronicles the development of the Gershwin cataIog, particularly Porgy and Bess, Ira's wordsmithing (without much interpretation) and Ira's success with other composers after his brother's early death at the age of 38. Ira Gershwin, himself, however -- something of a wall flower whose personality paled next to his charismatic brother, is less revealed. While the author doesn’t necessarily bring Ira to life — a challenge —he does present a good bio of a well positioned and talented man in an interesting era (growing up in Jewish New York, working in Russian bathhouses, his unique partnership with brother George, testifying, naively, to the McCarthy investigators). In the end, this book is largely a chronology of the work -- and what work it was!
March 15, 2025
Ira Gershwin was a sad little man whose major accomplishment in life was being the older brother of George Gershwin, the musical wunderkind who died at age 38. Ira didn't have his drive, his looks, his passion. Ira would have been content spending his life playing cards and betting on horses. Surviving George by decades, with the majority of his best work behind him, Ira's primary job was tending to the legacy that was his brother's. His wife was devoted to him but a termagant to pretty much everyone else. The book includes big chunks of his lyrics, but only a few of his post-George lyrics were attached to standards of the American Songbook, most notably "My Ship" with Kurt Weill; and "Long Ago And Far Away"with Jerome Kern. Ira Gershwin knew all the big names of this era and predeceased most of them. He never received the love and approval of his mother who screwed him and his siblings out of money from George's estate. He "penny wise and dollar foolish," quibbling over small expenses and gambling away massive sums. The book follows his long life and shows that except for a few noteworthy lyric contributions, Ira had quite a small and uninteresting life. The whole thing left me disappointed and a little sad for him.
November 30, 2024
Historian, researcher and archivist Michael Owen has delved deeply into the life and lines of celebrated songwriter Ira Gershwin in this detailed recollection of a spirit devoted to lyrics.
Ira and his older brother, George, were sons of Russian Jewish parents who immigrated to America in search of the dream that beckoned for so many in the late 1800s. The New York City streets where the boys hung out were filled with music. George soon became known for his ability to compose music in a variety of genres. Ira was less outgoing, spending his time reading books and making lists of what he read. But once the brothers began to collaborate, realizing that they were a phenomenal team, their lives took a massive upswing.
As their success grew --- with numbers like “S’Wonderful” and “It Had to Be You,” and full-blown musical coverage, as in the memorable Lady, Be Good! --- Ira used a pseudonym, Arthur Francis, so he wouldn’t detract from his older sibling’s career. When George died at the age of 38, Ira battled with contract clauses and ownership legalities, assisted by his strong-willed wife, Leonore. He took up his writing three years later with acclaim, working with music greats Kurt Weill and Jerome Kern.
Though he had periods of mental and physical exhaustion, along with a litany of ailments that led to the “pharmacological wasteland” of pill popping, Ira never lost his fascination with words and the feelings they could evoke. His memorable “coda” for the famed favorite “Over the Rainbow” was supplied after the composer, Yip Harburg, sought his opinion of the song: “If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?” In later life, Ira decided he needed a self-composed epitaph and came up with a choice bit of amusing irony: “Words Failed Me.”
Owen brings to IRA GERSHWIN a blend of meticulous research and an undisguised admiration for its central character. Ira is envisioned as an artistic genius whose personal fascination with languages, accents and human foibles have brought pleasure to millions over the years and will continue to do so. His honors include a collaborative Pulitzer Prize and in 1988 the establishment of the George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Musical Achievement Award.
Michael Owen’s frank, fact-filled and up-close portrait of Ira Gershwin is a gift --- and an insightful reminder --- for a new generation of music lovers and creators.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Ira and his older brother, George, were sons of Russian Jewish parents who immigrated to America in search of the dream that beckoned for so many in the late 1800s. The New York City streets where the boys hung out were filled with music. George soon became known for his ability to compose music in a variety of genres. Ira was less outgoing, spending his time reading books and making lists of what he read. But once the brothers began to collaborate, realizing that they were a phenomenal team, their lives took a massive upswing.
As their success grew --- with numbers like “S’Wonderful” and “It Had to Be You,” and full-blown musical coverage, as in the memorable Lady, Be Good! --- Ira used a pseudonym, Arthur Francis, so he wouldn’t detract from his older sibling’s career. When George died at the age of 38, Ira battled with contract clauses and ownership legalities, assisted by his strong-willed wife, Leonore. He took up his writing three years later with acclaim, working with music greats Kurt Weill and Jerome Kern.
Though he had periods of mental and physical exhaustion, along with a litany of ailments that led to the “pharmacological wasteland” of pill popping, Ira never lost his fascination with words and the feelings they could evoke. His memorable “coda” for the famed favorite “Over the Rainbow” was supplied after the composer, Yip Harburg, sought his opinion of the song: “If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?” In later life, Ira decided he needed a self-composed epitaph and came up with a choice bit of amusing irony: “Words Failed Me.”
Owen brings to IRA GERSHWIN a blend of meticulous research and an undisguised admiration for its central character. Ira is envisioned as an artistic genius whose personal fascination with languages, accents and human foibles have brought pleasure to millions over the years and will continue to do so. His honors include a collaborative Pulitzer Prize and in 1988 the establishment of the George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Musical Achievement Award.
Michael Owen’s frank, fact-filled and up-close portrait of Ira Gershwin is a gift --- and an insightful reminder --- for a new generation of music lovers and creators.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
December 27, 2024
Ira Gershwin is the man behind some of America’s best-known songs, “Fascinating Rhythm”, “Embraceable You”, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, and many, many others. He was the first lyricist to win the Pulitzer Prize. The older brother of the more famous, George Gershwin, who wrote the music for many Broadway musicals, Ira was much more reserved, quiet and a bookworm than his more famous and extraverted brother. George. Ira Gershwin was always in the shadow of his younger brother George in the eyes of the public and in the eyes of his very strong-willed mother whose favoritism was obvious to all.
George and Ira Gershwin collaborated on many hit Broadway shows in the 1920s and 1930s. While I was aware of some of them, “Strike Up the Band”, “Girl Crazy”, “Shall We Dance”, “An American in Paris” and probably their most famous, “Porgy and Bess,” there were so many shows and songs that were totally unknown to me. Michael Owen goes into a LOT of detail about so many of the songs and shows that frankly, at times, it was a little too encyclopedic for my taste. I thought more time should have been spent on the character development of the key people involved. I was also surprised to see that the issue of antisemitism was noticeably absent from the narrative, given the pervasive antisemitism of the time.
I was shocked to learn that George Gershwin died in 1937 at the age of 38. He died of a brain tumor, which was untreatable at that time. His older brother Ira was left in charge of his estate and protecting his legacy. Years of family squabbling over the handling of George’s estate ensued. Ira lived many years after George, and he died in 1983 at the age of 86. Neither Ira nor George had any children.
In 2007, the Library of Congress established the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. It has been awarded to Carole King, Tony Bennet, Paul McCartney, Elton John and many others.
If you are interested in musical theater and the key players in The Great American Songbook, you will probably enjoy this one.
George and Ira Gershwin collaborated on many hit Broadway shows in the 1920s and 1930s. While I was aware of some of them, “Strike Up the Band”, “Girl Crazy”, “Shall We Dance”, “An American in Paris” and probably their most famous, “Porgy and Bess,” there were so many shows and songs that were totally unknown to me. Michael Owen goes into a LOT of detail about so many of the songs and shows that frankly, at times, it was a little too encyclopedic for my taste. I thought more time should have been spent on the character development of the key people involved. I was also surprised to see that the issue of antisemitism was noticeably absent from the narrative, given the pervasive antisemitism of the time.
I was shocked to learn that George Gershwin died in 1937 at the age of 38. He died of a brain tumor, which was untreatable at that time. His older brother Ira was left in charge of his estate and protecting his legacy. Years of family squabbling over the handling of George’s estate ensued. Ira lived many years after George, and he died in 1983 at the age of 86. Neither Ira nor George had any children.
In 2007, the Library of Congress established the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. It has been awarded to Carole King, Tony Bennet, Paul McCartney, Elton John and many others.
If you are interested in musical theater and the key players in The Great American Songbook, you will probably enjoy this one.
May 5, 2025
There have been several biographies written about George Gershwin but none that I am aware of concerning George's brother, writing partner and lyricist Ira Gershwin. Michael Owen's attempt to corrct this lapse is appreciated. The contrasts of the brothers' personalities have been long established: while George was gregarious and ebullient, Ira was reticent. Ira was married, George was single. Unfortunately, Ira was burdened with the legal and copyright issues of the Gershwin musical output after George's too young demise. This did not proceed smoothly due to family personalities and interference from others which included Ira's spouse and family dynamics.
Neither brother had children; the matter of the alleged illegitimate son of George Gershwin is repeated here and has been covered elsewhere.
A fairly detailed medical review of George Gershwin's delayed diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumor in 1937 is appreciated. I am not a medical expert but I think it may have proved that even in today's world George's demise was unavoidable due to delay in treatment and lack of specialty care. I would like to hear other readers' opinions on this.
One wishes for additional first-person participation in this book project. I believe that singer-musician-historian Michael Feinstein may have covered this in the past. Both Mr. Feinstein and Mr. Owens worked with Ira Gershwin in his later years. I find Mr. Owen's presentation of his subject is somewhat depersonalized, and the impression left for the reader is that the writer did not know the subject very well or at all and am surprised that this was not worked out in the writing/editorial/publishing process. Had this occurred or if this is corrected in a subsequent edition I would raise my Goodreads rating up a notch.
The book is recommended as a start, not an end, for today's readers to learn more about Ira Gershwin.
Neither brother had children; the matter of the alleged illegitimate son of George Gershwin is repeated here and has been covered elsewhere.
A fairly detailed medical review of George Gershwin's delayed diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumor in 1937 is appreciated. I am not a medical expert but I think it may have proved that even in today's world George's demise was unavoidable due to delay in treatment and lack of specialty care. I would like to hear other readers' opinions on this.
One wishes for additional first-person participation in this book project. I believe that singer-musician-historian Michael Feinstein may have covered this in the past. Both Mr. Feinstein and Mr. Owens worked with Ira Gershwin in his later years. I find Mr. Owen's presentation of his subject is somewhat depersonalized, and the impression left for the reader is that the writer did not know the subject very well or at all and am surprised that this was not worked out in the writing/editorial/publishing process. Had this occurred or if this is corrected in a subsequent edition I would raise my Goodreads rating up a notch.
The book is recommended as a start, not an end, for today's readers to learn more about Ira Gershwin.
October 6, 2024
Review Title: A Beautiful Tribute to Ira Gershwin's Lasting Legacy
Michael Owen’s Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words is a thoroughly researched and engaging biography that finally gives lyricist Ira Gershwin his rightful place as one of the most significant contributors to the Great American Songbook. While George Gershwin may be more famous, Owen’s work highlights Ira’s unique genius, tracing his journey from his early writing to becoming the first lyricist to win a Pulitzer Prize. The book paints a rich portrait of Ira's contributions, from iconic songs like “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” to his collaborations with major composers, including Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen.
Owen’s use of archival materials, such as personal letters and diaries, brings Ira’s creative process to life and reveals the depth of his bond with George. One of the most touching parts of the biography is the exploration of Ira’s emotional and professional challenges following George’s tragic death. Owen illustrates how Ira balanced grief and a dedication to preserving his brother’s legacy while continuing to write for the stage and screen.
The book also offers a captivating look into the broader cultural landscape of early 20th-century America, showing how Ira's lyrics helped define the eras of Broadway and Hollywood. Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words not only solidifies Ira’s place in music history but also enriches our understanding of the timelessness of the American Songbook.
This beautifully written and deeply informative biography is essential reading for music lovers, Broadway enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural history of the 1920s and beyond. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Michael Owen’s Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words is a thoroughly researched and engaging biography that finally gives lyricist Ira Gershwin his rightful place as one of the most significant contributors to the Great American Songbook. While George Gershwin may be more famous, Owen’s work highlights Ira’s unique genius, tracing his journey from his early writing to becoming the first lyricist to win a Pulitzer Prize. The book paints a rich portrait of Ira's contributions, from iconic songs like “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” to his collaborations with major composers, including Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen.
Owen’s use of archival materials, such as personal letters and diaries, brings Ira’s creative process to life and reveals the depth of his bond with George. One of the most touching parts of the biography is the exploration of Ira’s emotional and professional challenges following George’s tragic death. Owen illustrates how Ira balanced grief and a dedication to preserving his brother’s legacy while continuing to write for the stage and screen.
The book also offers a captivating look into the broader cultural landscape of early 20th-century America, showing how Ira's lyrics helped define the eras of Broadway and Hollywood. Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words not only solidifies Ira’s place in music history but also enriches our understanding of the timelessness of the American Songbook.
This beautifully written and deeply informative biography is essential reading for music lovers, Broadway enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural history of the 1920s and beyond. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 15, 2024
In IRA GERSHWIN: A LIFE IN WORDS by Michael Owen Ira Gershwin works with his brother, George, to write songs for what has been called the Great American Songbook (memorable songs from the first half of the 20th century). Ira writes the lyrics, and George writes the music. I read this book wanting to know how Ira comes to write lyrics with his brother. I end up fascinated by all aspects of Ira’s life.
Michael Owen does a good job summarizing Ira’s life. I like the format of the book with its division by decade. I also enjoy gaining insight into the formation and performance of some of the songs Ira Gershwin’s lyrics have enhanced. Thank you, W W Norton & Company and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of IRA GERSHWIN: A LIFE IN WORDS.
Michael Owen does a good job summarizing Ira’s life. I like the format of the book with its division by decade. I also enjoy gaining insight into the formation and performance of some of the songs Ira Gershwin’s lyrics have enhanced. Thank you, W W Norton & Company and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of IRA GERSHWIN: A LIFE IN WORDS.
January 25, 2025
This is a very readable book. I wish I knew more of the people in the early years, 1920's - 1940's. I know some of the songs and productions. There are 8 pages listing his songs. How amazing to think how much he and his brother George and the people he collaborated with have added to our culture.
I will have to search for recordings of their songs. there is an impressive list of books, recordings and reenactments of plays in the Epilogue.
The last sentence says it all, " More than forty years after Ira Gershwin's death, his words, with all their wit and romance, remain a touchstone of American culture.".
Michael Owen, the author, announced a new book, an edited and annotated edition of a 1928 Notebook, which is/was to be published/issued in 2024. I'll be searching for a copy.
I will have to search for recordings of their songs. there is an impressive list of books, recordings and reenactments of plays in the Epilogue.
The last sentence says it all, " More than forty years after Ira Gershwin's death, his words, with all their wit and romance, remain a touchstone of American culture.".
Michael Owen, the author, announced a new book, an edited and annotated edition of a 1928 Notebook, which is/was to be published/issued in 2024. I'll be searching for a copy.
January 29, 2025
I'm surprised by the positive reviews for this biography in NYT & WAPO... it is incomplete at best.... it turned into a laundry list of his life --- something the author pointed out Ira did in his travel diaries -- lacked historical context & analysis...... so many loose ends... no mention of when his wife passed away (important as she is a major force in his life & afterlife)... mention only in passing that Danny Kaye got his big break in one of his Broadway shows after George had passed.... the list could go on, but what's the point.... very disappointing.
PS .. Several glaring factual errors... date of death of Flo Ziegfeld is incorrect, as is a whole section on the US involvement in WW II starting prior to Pearl Harbor, which only demonstrates poor editing.
PS .. Several glaring factual errors... date of death of Flo Ziegfeld is incorrect, as is a whole section on the US involvement in WW II starting prior to Pearl Harbor, which only demonstrates poor editing.
May 15, 2025
I have been fascinated by the Gershwin brothers ever since hearing my mother, an accomplished pianist, playing Rhapsody in Blue on our piano. We then watched the movie "An American in Paris," with lyrics by Ira and I became interested in more of their music. Despite George's early death, Ira continue writing lyrics and Broadway shows with many other composers, outliving his brother by about 45 years.
This biography delves into the complicated family relationships of the two brothers, who themselves were very close. The behind the scenes story of this remarkable duo continues to be importat today, 100 years after the release of George Gershwin's famous rhapsody.
This biography delves into the complicated family relationships of the two brothers, who themselves were very close. The behind the scenes story of this remarkable duo continues to be importat today, 100 years after the release of George Gershwin's famous rhapsody.
January 21, 2025
Seemed like such a perfect setup, we have so much in common Ira and me, cigars, betting on the ponies, the Great American Songbook (I dig it, Ira invented it) ... Yet the book is a plodder, dry and slow, more analytical than personal, a sometimes painful blow-by-blow of every project Ira ever worked on that gives an inkling into his personality and temperament but falls way short of intimate ... There were moments of enlightenment and insights but they are brief; still, the Gershwin name will always be magical
January 21, 2025
It is always good to review things that have been important in life. Remembering and reviewing Gershwin is so true to my life.
Thank you author Owen for bring the past to life. For me, Gershwin will always be a part of my life. Your study of Ira Gershwin is very good. I thank you for a biography that accords Ira Gershwin his due as a canonical American writer.
"Somewhere over the rainbow"
Thank you author Owen for bring the past to life. For me, Gershwin will always be a part of my life. Your study of Ira Gershwin is very good. I thank you for a biography that accords Ira Gershwin his due as a canonical American writer.
"Somewhere over the rainbow"
Read
January 22, 2025I very much enjoyed learning about Ira Gershwin. I had no knowledge George had a brother until learning about this book. The book is well researched and engaging. I appreciated the historical details that helped to bring the book to life.Ira's concerns for his brother's legacy overshadowed his own, longer legacy. I look forward to sharing the rich history of both Gershwin brothers with those who love music.
December 29, 2024
A wonderful book to enjoy and savor. More than the life of lyricist Ira Gershwin it is the life of his brother and partner George Gershwin as well as the story of an era in music , theater and film. One of the best books of 2024.
February 8, 2025
The writing is workmanlike, and I'd like to have seen more of an analysis of his lyrics – if nothing else to bring them to life. Here, they lie lifeless on the page. It's a good read for details of Gershwin's life – but perhaps not his art.
March 3, 2025
A very detailed list of everything Ira did in his life. Useful for scholars but nearly unreadable for those who just want to get to know the man. Read about half, then dropped in here and there to the end.
May 9, 2025
This was rather 'long in the tooth' for me, but I learned a lot about Gershwin era Broadway and Hollywood, the inner workings and the wheeling and dealing that went on. I would have liked to learn more about George, I'll have to see if I can find anything on him.
December 22, 2024
Insight into Talent
The legacy of George and Ira Gershwin lives on. This book focuses on both, with more detail given to Ira, the older brother and lyricist.
The legacy of George and Ira Gershwin lives on. This book focuses on both, with more detail given to Ira, the older brother and lyricist.
Read
January 30, 2025interesting read. it is worthwhile to discover what happened after George died
February 3, 2025
The writing here is clinical, very detailed. Nevertheless, I was moved by Ira's life -- his lifelong struggle to adapt to his brother's early death. A remarkably accomplished man on his own, but always deferring to George, and shy and modest. I sense a life that had commercial success but with underlying sadness. I'd have given this three and a half stars if that were possible.
May 7, 2025
Lots of interesting show biz anecdotes. Quite fragmentary, however. Loses steam halfway, when his brother, George Gershwin, dies. Needs more work on transitions and lonkage to achieve more flow and to avoid choppiness.
January 18, 2025
While George Gershwin took the world by storm with his vaulted musicality, his bookish, introverted older brother Ira penned the memorable lyrics to many treasured standards ("Someone to Watch Over Me", "S'Wonderful", "Embraceable You", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and so on). This new biography gives Ira his due by tracing his life from a first generation secular Jewish family to his eventual rise to Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist. It's a fascinating read for fans of the Great American Songbook.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews