George and Ira Gershwin

Ira and George Gershwin became the first long-term team to create the scores for many successful Broadway and movie musicals. Although other composers and lyricists teamed up before the Gershwin brothers, none of them stayed together for an extended time or for a sustained list of hit shows. The Gershwin brothers set the stage for later teams, such as Rodgers and Hammerstein and Kanter and Ebb.

Ira and George Gershwin had parents who had immigrated to the US from Russia in the 1800s. The family name went from the original Gershowitz to Gershvin and eventually to Gershwin when George became a professional musician and made the final name change.

George and Ira's parents encouraged their children's musical talents early in life, but it was George who responded to their parents' efforts. While George took piano lessons and studied music, Ira preferred writing and pursuing other interests. Eventually, however, Ira turned his writing talents to song lyrics and when he teamed up with his brother, he helped to create a long list of memorable songs.



Source for information: Wikipedia