Deep Dive
Why was 1924 a significant year for Ira Gershwin?
1924 marked the beginning of Ira Gershwin's career as a lyricist, collaborating with his brother George for the first time on the Broadway show 'Lady Be Good,' which was a major success and set the stage for their future collaborations.
How did Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook impact Ira Gershwin's career?
Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook, recorded in the late 1950s, revitalized interest in Ira Gershwin's songs, bringing them to a new audience and providing financial benefits to Ira, whose career had otherwise slowed down.
What was Ira Gershwin's contribution to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'?
Ira Gershwin added the iconic line 'If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why can't I?' to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' enhancing the song's emotional depth and thematic resonance.
Why did Ira Gershwin prefer to keep his lyrics simple?
Ira Gershwin believed that simplicity in lyrics was crucial for audience comprehension, especially in noisy theater settings where amplification was not standard. He aimed to ensure that listeners could easily grasp the words without missing the song's essence.
How did Ira Gershwin's career evolve after George Gershwin's death?
After George Gershwin's death, Ira continued to collaborate with other composers like Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern, but his career eventually stalled due to changing musical tastes and the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s.
What role did Michael Feinstein play in Ira Gershwin's later years?
Michael Feinstein was hired to entertain Ira Gershwin in his later years, bringing a piano into his bedroom and singing lesser-known Gershwin songs, which provided companionship and joy to Ira during his isolated final years.
How did Roy Haynes influence the jazz scene?
Roy Haynes was a highly in-demand drummer known for his dynamic and interactive playing style, influencing jazz through his work with legends like Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis, and later with contemporary artists like Chick Corea and Pat Metheny.
- Ira Gershwin added the line 'If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why can't I?'
- This line is one of the most famous in the song and encapsulates Dorothy's journey and the film's themes.
- Ira's contribution was made to help his friends, Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, without seeking credit.
Shownotes Transcript