THE GERSHWIN PROJECT
- EPISODE 3
‘The Gershwin Project’ is a 26 episode series about the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin. Each episode runs for 30 minutes.
The series was first broadcast on Artsound FM in 2008. The show was written and produced by Len Power and is narrated by Bill Stephens.
With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.
Part 3: The Early Shows and a Rhapsody - 1919 to 1924
In 1919, George’s song ‘Swanee’ became a huge hit. This program includes the original arrangement of ‘Swanee’ as it was before Al Jolson made it a hit. There are songs from ‘George White’s Scandals’, including ‘I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise’ and there are rare recordings from George’s long-forgotten early musicals.
Paul Whiteman, the conductor, describes how he encouraged George to write ‘Rhapsody in Blue’. Elaine Stritch, Barbara Cook, Al Jolson, Georges Guetary and Anthony Perkins sing well-known and rare songs.
Listen now:
