Ira Gershwin

Ira Gershwin, the renowned American lyricist and composer, whose work spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on the golden age of Broadway, was born Israel Gershowitz on December 6, 1896, in New York City. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants Rose Bruskina and Morris Gershwine, Ira grew up alongside his older brother George and younger siblings Arthur and Frances in a household steeped in music and the arts.

Formative years were spent listening to his father’s violin playing and the sounds of New York City. Although he studied at the City College of New York for two semesters, Ira quickly found his true calling outside the classroom by collaborating with George on various musical projects. Their partnership flourished in the early 1920s as they began crafting songs together that would define their careers and earn them a place among America’s most celebrated composers.

The Gershwins’ breakthrough came with the 1924 production of Swanee, but it was their later works such as Girl Crazy (1930), Possessed (1935), and the iconic film score for The King’s Speech (1937) that solidified their status. Ira’s mastery of witty, poetic lyrics matched George’s innovative musical compositions perfectly, resulting in memorable numbers like “I Got Rhythm” and “Embraceable You.”

In 1924, Ira married Leonore Gershwin; they remained together until her death in 1970. They had no children but were known for their close-knit family life, with George’s premature passing in 1937 deeply affecting both brothers and reshaping the trajectory of their collaboration.

Ira Gershwin passed away on August 17, 1983, leaving behind a legacy that includes over 20 musicals and numerous film scores. His lyrical contributions have been celebrated not only for their entertainment value but also for capturing the essence of American life in the mid-20th century.