News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words - by Michael Owen


Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words by Michael Owen

First full-length biography devoted to the life of Ira Gershwin. Draws on extensive archival sources and often using Ira's own words. 30 illustrations. 400 pages.

The first lyricist to win the Pulitzer Prize, Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) has been hailed as one of the masters of the Great American Songbook, a period which covers songs written largely for Broadway and Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now, in the first full-length biography devoted to his life, Michael Owen brings Ira out at last from the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother George. Drawing on extensive archival sources and often using Ira’s own words, Owen has crafted a rich portrait of the modest man who penned the words to many of America’s best-loved songs, like “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”

These fruits of Ira’s lyric genius sprang from the simplest of seeds: a hand-drawn weekly created for a cousin, an amateur newspaper co-written with friend and future lyricist Yip Harburg, columns in the school papers at Townsend Harris High School and, later, City College of New York. The details of his early literary efforts demonstrate both his developing ambition and the early signs of his talent. But while the road to becoming a successful lyricist was neither short nor smooth, it did lead Ira to the greatest creative partnership of his life.

George and Ira Gershwin collaborated on a string of hit Broadway shows in the 1920s and 1930s that resulted in popular and financial success and spawned a long string of songs that have become classics. Owen offers fascinating glimpses of their creative process, drawing on Ira’s diaries and other contemporary sources, as well as the close relationship between the two brothers. Hollywood soon beckons and the brothers head west to California to work in the movie business. Greater fame and fortune seem right around the corner.

George Gershwin died in a Los Angeles hospital in July 1937. He was only 38 years old. His death marked a stark dividing line in Ira’s life, and from that point on much of his time and energy was devoted to the management of his brother’s estate and the care of his legacy. Accustomed to living in his brother’s shadow, it now threatened to overwhelm him. He worked to balance all the administrative tasks with a new series of collaborations with composers like Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Harry Warren, and Harold Arlen. Ira’s last Broadway work was in 1946, and several films and a book project―a collection of his lyrics with the stories behind them―occupied his later years along with the ongoing management of George’s affairs.

Ira Gershwin’s work with George left an enduring mark on American culture, as recognized by the Library of Congress in 2007 when it established the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which has been awarded to artists like Paul Simon, Carole King, Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, and Elton John. In Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words, Michael Owen brings the publicity shy lyricist into the spotlight he deserves.



Available On:
Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words on Hardcover Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words on Kindle

Publisher: Liveright

Released: 2024





Latest Articles
Listen: Kim David Smith's New Single 'Illusions' With Charles Busch Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 07, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH has released the new single from his upcoming album Mostly Marlene. “Illusions” – a studio duet with Tony-nominated playwright and performer Charles Busch. Listen now!

THE HOLIDAY SONGBOOK Now Availble for Licensing From Thirty Saints Productions
by A.A. Cristi - March 06, 2025

Thirty Saints Productions has announced the worldwide licensing release of The Holiday Songbook, the first installment of the company's highly acclaimed Songbook Series.

Sam Sadigursky and Nathan Koci Detail 'The Solomon Diaries: Volumes IV & V'
by Josh Sharpe - March 03, 2025

Clarinetist Sam Sadigursky and accordionist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Koci have set the release of the next two volumes of The Solomon Diaries for April 11th.

SOUTH PARK 25th Anniversary Concert to Receive Exclusive Vinyl Release
by Josh Sharpe - March 03, 2025

On April 18, 2025, Mercury Studios will release a 3LP package of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert. The album features performances of fan favorites from the South Park TV series and films created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

LOST Season Two Soundtrack to Make Vinyl Debut
by Josh Sharpe - February 25, 2025

Varèse Sarabande and Craft Recordings have announced the long-awaited vinyl debut of Lost: Season Two (Original Television Soundtrack), featuring Michael Giacchino’s score in its entirety.

Vince Guaraldi Trio's Jazz PEANUTS Soundtrack Gets Anniversary Reissue
by Josh Sharpe - February 25, 2025

Craft Recordings celebrates the enduring, 75-year legacy of PEANUTS, with an expanded reissue of Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown. Arriving April 4th, the collection features 11 never-before-heard outtakes plus the original album.

International Literary Properties Acquires Ellen Raskin Estate
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 24, 2025

International Literary Properties, the global company that invests in, acquires, and manages literary estates, has acquired Ellen Raskin’s literary estate. Learn more!

Kim David Smith New Album MOSTLY MARLENE to be Released in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 21, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on Friday, March 21. Learn more!

SWEPT AWAY Physical CD and Two Vinyl Pressings to be Released in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 20, 2025

The physical CD and two vinyl editions of the Swept Away album, titled “Rough Seas” and a limited edition “Devil’s In My Head” Blood Moon red pressing, will be released this spring. Learn more!

Danny Wright Releases New Album STAGE TO SCREEN Featuring Piano Renditions Of Show Tunes
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 18, 2025

Pianist and composer Danny Wright has released his latest album, 'Stage To Screen,' featuring piano renditions of beloved movie and Broadway songs. Learn more about Wright and the album!

Revised Edition Of TRAPPED! THE STORY OF FLOYD COLLINS Honors 100th Anniversary Of Cave Tragedy
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 10, 2025

University Press of Kentucky plans to release a revised, third edition of 'Trapped! The Story of Floyd Collins' by the late historian Robert K. Murray and renowned cave explorer Roger W. Brucker, on April 15.

Video: Josh Gad Is Telling All About His Tell-Some, In Gad We Trust
by Joey Mervis - February 09, 2025

Stage and screen star Josh Gad has put pen to paper to tell his story. His new memoir, In Gad We Trust, is a heartfelt and hilarious collection of essays about his career highlights and all of the inbetweens. Watch in this video! ​

South Street Seaport Museum to Present February Book Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 03, 2025

South Street Seaport Museum's monthly book club will continue in February. Seaport Museum staff and special guests will stir up lively discussions informed by our shared love of literature, history, and preservation.

URBAN MOMFARE Cast Recording to be Available This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 03, 2025

Red Lyric Productions will release the original Off-Broadway/NY Fringe Cast Album of Urban Momfare. The musical had a run at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival, where it received a Best Musical Award.

HOUSE ON FIRE Debut Recording Out Now; Concert Set for February at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 31, 2025

Precious Days Records has released the debut recording of Gretchen Cryer and Gracie Hyland’s new musical HOUSE ON FIRE in streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the album and the upcoming concert presentation.

Lisa Bielawa’s 'Centuries in the Hours' Sets World Premiere Recording
by Josh Sharpe - January 30, 2025

The world premiere recording of Lisa Bielawa’s song cycle Centuries in the Hours will be released on a new album from mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm titled Watching glass, I hear you.

Exclusive: 'Early Teenage Crisis' From HOUSE ON FIRE
by Stephi Wild - January 30, 2025

Gretchen Cryer recently wrote a new musical with her granddaughter, Gracie Hyland, titled House on Fire. We have your exclusive first listen to a song from the show. Listen to “Early Teenage Crisis” here! 

Video: Stewart F. Lane Unpacks the History of the Iconic Palace Theatre
by Joey Mervis - January 30, 2025

Broadway-lovers know that the legendary Palace Theatre has gone through quite a transformation over the last several years. What happened at the Palace before now? Watch in this video as Lane chats with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge about the venue's incredible history

Horror Comedy LET'S SUMMON A DEMON AT DEBBIE'S Published By 1319 Press
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 28, 2025

After a sold out run at the 2024 Twin Cities Horror Festival, the script for the camp horror comedy Let's Summon a Demon at Debbie's written by Brandon Monokian has been published by 1319 Press. Learn more!

REEFER MADNESS: New Los Angeles Cast Recording Out Now on CD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 24, 2025

The new album Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival, is available on CD today. Learn more.

Rachel Potter's Upcoming Album to Feature Ali Stroker, Christine Dwyer & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 23, 2025

Rachel Potter, known for her roles on Broadway as well as her appearance on The X Factor, has revealed the full list of featured artists for her upcoming album, Stages.

Mark Solomon to Speak At The Drama Book Shop in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 22, 2025

An event featuring OVER THE SHOULDER: A Freelancer's Guide to Telling Stories and Editing Films by Mark Solomon, will be presented at The Drama Bookshop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Voice Teacher Gabriel Weiner To Give Talkback & Signing At The Drama Book Shop
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 22, 2025

The Drama Book Shop in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications will present 'How To Sing Without Thinking' with Gabriel Weiner, a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording. Learn more!

Ari Axelrod's A PLACE FOR US: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 17, 2025

Ari Axelrod's A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway – is available on CD and digital formats now. Learn more about the album and about Axelrod's upcoming performances.

Leslie Odom, Jr. To Moderate Wren T. Brown's First Book Signing
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 15, 2025

The first book signing event for Wren T. Brown's THE FAMILY BUSINESS will take place at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Learn more!

The Drama Book Shop to Present Talkback with Javier Vazquez Jr and Denise Santos
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 07, 2025

The Drama Book Shop will present, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, 'JJ's Audition Adventure' - A talkback, signing, and live podcast recording with Javier Vazquez Jr and Denise Santos. Learn how to attend.

Valev Laube Debuts 'Liminal' Streaming Now
by A.A. Cristi - January 02, 2025

Valev Laube, the celebrated Estonian-American musician, composer, and multimedia producer, has finally released his highly anticipated debut album, Liminal. Now available across all major streaming platforms.

Cinco Paul Unveils SCHMIGADOON-Themed Alphabet Book
by Josh Sharpe - January 02, 2025

Schmigadoon! creator Cinco Paul has announced that he has co-written a new alphabet book based on the musical series. Written alongside Ray Kampf (who also created the illustrations), the book is described as 'a sophisticated whimsical and colorful alphabet book.'

Zachary James to Release Live Album Recorded at Crazy Coqs in London
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 30, 2024

Grammy Award winning Broadway, West End and opera artist Zachary James is set to drop a live album, recorded at the legendary Crazy Coqs in London, on New Year’s Eve 2024. Learn more!

WICKED Digital and Blu-ray Special Features Revealed
by Josh Sharpe - December 26, 2024

Fans can prepare for the official Wicked digital and Blu-ray release with the extensive special feature listing which includes documentaries, deleted scenes, commentaries, and more. Take a look at the full list below!

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You