Ira Gershwin
Also Credited As: Arthur Francis
Date of Death: August 17, 1983 (86)
Birth Place: New York, NY
Latest News on Ira Gershwin:
Karen Akers to Present FEELS LIKE HOME at Birdalnd in November (Oct 29, 2024)
Concord Theatricals Acquires Licensing Rights For James Graham Titles (Oct 28, 2024)
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS With TRIO IN CAHOOTS to Play Agrovino Wine Bar Lofou in December (Oct 27, 2024)
Karen Akers to Present FEELS LIKE HOME at Birdalnd in November (Oct 29, 2024)
Concord Theatricals Acquires Licensing Rights For James Graham Titles (Oct 28, 2024)
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS With TRIO IN CAHOOTS to Play Agrovino Wine Bar Lofou in December (Oct 27, 2024)
BIO
Ira Gershwin, the first songwriter to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize, was born in New York City on December 6, 1896. In 1917 The Evening Sun published his first song ("You May Throw All The Rice You Desire But Please Friends, Throw No Shoes"). Four years later Ira enjoyed his first major stage success, Two Little Girls in Blue, written with another Broadway newcomer, Vincent Youmans. In 1924 Ira and his brother, George, created the smash hit Lady Be Good and went on to continue their remarkable collaboration through a dozen major stage scores, producing such standards as "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Man I Love," "S' Wonderful," "Embraceable You," "I Got Rhythm," "But Not For Me" and others far too numerous to mention. During his long career, Ira also enjoyed productive collaborations with such songwriters as Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Kurt Weill, Burton Lane and Jerome Kern, with whom he created his greatest song hit of any one year, "Long Ago And Far Away." Ira Gershwin died on August 17, 1983, in Beverly Hills, California.
Photos
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Additional Music
Music & Lyrics
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
winner
Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical
Ira Gershwin, Crazy For You
winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1932 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Ira Gershwin, Of Thee I Sing
Videos
VIDEO: First Look At Hershey Felder in GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE At TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Joshua Wright - Feb 1, 2024
TV Exclusive: The Great Facts of THE GREAT SOCIETY- David Garrison on Richard Nixon and George Wallace
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 14, 2019
VIDEO: On This Day, April 12- AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Travels To Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2019
TV: BroadwayHD Releases AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Starring Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope
by BroadwayWorld TV - Oct 3, 2018
Countdown to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Theatres: Day Six- S'Wonderful at Bryant Park!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 18, 2018
Countdown to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Theatres: Day Cinq- At the Tonys!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 17, 2018
Countdown to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Theatres: Day Quatre- Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 16, 2018
Countdown to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Theatres: Day Trois- Broadway Bound!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 15, 2018
Countdown to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in Theatres: Day Deux- Curtain Up in France!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 14, 2018
Une Histoire of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- In Movie Theatres on September 20 & 23!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 20, 2018
VIDEO: On This Day, April 12- AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Leaps Onto Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2018
TV Exclusive: Show Stories- Ken Ludwig Explains How He Scrapped a Whole Act to Make CRAZY FOR YOU a Hit!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 20, 2018
TV Exclusive: Show Stories- Susan Stroman Gives Us the Low Down on How CRAZY FOR YOU Came to Be
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 20, 2018
News
Karen Akers to Present FEELS LIKE HOME at Birdalnd in November
Birdland Jazz Club will present award-winning Vocalist Karen Akers – who returns to the venue with her show “Feels Like Home” – on Monday, November 18 at 7:00 PM. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Birdland Jazz Club will present award-winning Vocalist Karen Akers – who returns to the venue with her show “Feels Like Home” – on Monday, November 18 at 7:00 PM. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Concord Theatricals Acquires Licensing Rights For James Graham Titles
Concord Theatricals announced the acquisition of licensing rights for several plays by James Graham, including INK, THIS HOUSE, LABOUR OF LOVE, A HISTORY OF FALLING THINGS, and QUIZ.
Concord Theatricals announced the acquisition of licensing rights for several plays by James Graham, including INK, THIS HOUSE, LABOUR OF LOVE, A HISTORY OF FALLING THINGS, and QUIZ.
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS With TRIO IN CAHOOTS to Play Agrovino Wine Bar Lofou in December
Trio In Cahoots will perform songs from a wide range of repertoire, including jazz standards from the American Songbook, and songs from the pop/country genre – always with improvisational intentions, adapted to the cozy vibe of the acoustic trio.
Trio In Cahoots will perform songs from a wide range of repertoire, including jazz standards from the American Songbook, and songs from the pop/country genre – always with improvisational intentions, adapted to the cozy vibe of the acoustic trio.
Interview: Ted Sperling Helms a Lavish Concert Revival of STRIKE UP THE BAND at Carnegie Hall
MasterVoices opens its 2024-25 season on 10/29 with Strike Up the Band, a rarely revived Gershwin work. With its soaring melodies, infectious syncopation, and lyrics that both provoke and delight, this lavish production will feature dancers and the 120-person MasterVoices chorus. Read a conversation with Ted Sperling about the new revision.
MasterVoices opens its 2024-25 season on 10/29 with Strike Up the Band, a rarely revived Gershwin work. With its soaring melodies, infectious syncopation, and lyrics that both provoke and delight, this lavish production will feature dancers and the 120-person MasterVoices chorus. Read a conversation with Ted Sperling about the new revision.
Lorna Dallas To Debut New Show SNAPSHOTS At Chelsea Table + Stage
Lorna Dallas will present her new show, SNAPSHOTS, at Chelsea Table + Stage this fall. The performance will feature a selection of songs and stories from her career. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Lorna Dallas will present her new show, SNAPSHOTS, at Chelsea Table + Stage this fall. The performance will feature a selection of songs and stories from her career. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, 2024
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Jeff Harnar's Sammy Cahn show, the Stylistics and a gala for the Beechman.
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Jeff Harnar's Sammy Cahn show, the Stylistics and a gala for the Beechman.
Riverside Theatre to Present Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY Beginning This Month
Riverside Theatre will begin its 52nd season with Ken Ludwig's uproarious comedy, The Fox on the Fairway. The Fox on the Fairway plays the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre from October 22 – November 10, 2024.
Riverside Theatre will begin its 52nd season with Ken Ludwig's uproarious comedy, The Fox on the Fairway. The Fox on the Fairway plays the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre from October 22 – November 10, 2024.
Spotlight: STRICTLY GERSHWIN at Playhouse Square
Experience the Golden Age of Hollywood with Strictly Gershwin at Playhouse Square
Experience the Golden Age of Hollywood with Strictly Gershwin at Playhouse Square
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Sept. 23 to Sept. 29, 2024
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Cheyenne Jackson's Signs of Life, musical comedy and John Cameron Mitchell
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Cheyenne Jackson's Signs of Life, musical comedy and John Cameron Mitchell
Victoria Clark, Claybourne Elder and More Join STRIKE UP THE BAND With MasterVoices At Carnegie Hall
MasterVoices announced a performance of the Gershwins' political musical satire STRIKE UP THE BAND at Carnegie Hall on October 29, featuring music by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind.
MasterVoices announced a performance of the Gershwins' political musical satire STRIKE UP THE BAND at Carnegie Hall on October 29, featuring music by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind.
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
Odyssey Opera and Boston Modern Orchestra Project Will Perform Two Political Satire Musicals By The Gershwin Brothers
Odyssey Opera, in partnership with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), will present a rare Boston showing of the Gershwin brothers' two political musicals at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Odyssey Opera, in partnership with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), will present a rare Boston showing of the Gershwin brothers' two political musicals at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Phillip Officer to Pay Tribute to Mabel Mercer in YOU FASCINATE ME SO at Birdland Theater
Phillip Officer will pay tribute to Mabel Mercer in 'You Fascinate Me So' at Birdland Theater. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Phillip Officer will pay tribute to Mabel Mercer in 'You Fascinate Me So' at Birdland Theater. Learn how to purchase tickets.
How Often Do Broadway Theatre Names Change?
This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway theatre names change?
This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway theatre names change?
Spotlight: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Reagle Music Theatre
An American in Paris: Romance Awaits at Reagle Music Theatre
An American in Paris: Romance Awaits at Reagle Music Theatre
BWW Q&A: Jack Mullen on AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Reagle Music Theatre
Inspired by the classic Gene Kelly film, this romantic story centers around a young American soldier and a beautiful French girl in an indomitable European city. An American in Paris follows the journey of these two young artists as they explore the joys and hardships of creating art and falling in love.
Inspired by the classic Gene Kelly film, this romantic story centers around a young American soldier and a beautiful French girl in an indomitable European city. An American in Paris follows the journey of these two young artists as they explore the joys and hardships of creating art and falling in love.
Gershwin & More Set for MasterVoices 2024-25 Season
MasterVoices has revealed details of the renowned chorus’ 83rd season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
MasterVoices has revealed details of the renowned chorus’ 83rd season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Klea Blackhurst to Present THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is Gold-Medal-Worthy
What did our critic think of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Reagle Music Theatre Of Greater Boston?
What did our critic think of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Reagle Music Theatre Of Greater Boston?
KAREN AKERS: WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE Comes To Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea
Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea will present Karen Akers: Water Under the Bridge, Saturday, August 17, 7:30PM at LTV Studios in East Hampton. Karen Akers looks back at her life and career through story and song, with musical direction by Alex Rybeck.
Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea will present Karen Akers: Water Under the Bridge, Saturday, August 17, 7:30PM at LTV Studios in East Hampton. Karen Akers looks back at her life and career through story and song, with musical direction by Alex Rybeck.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Ira Gershwin written?
Ira Gershwin has written 48 shows including Two Little Girls in Blue (Lyricist), For Goodness Sake (Lyricist), George White's Scandals [1922] (Lyricist), Be Yourself (Lyricist), Primrose (Lyricist), Lady, Be Good (Lyricist), Tell Me More! (Lyricist), Tip-Toes (Lyricist), Oh, Kay! (Lyricist), Strike Up the Band (Lyricist), Funny Face (Lyricist), Rosalie (Lyricist), Treasure Girl (Lyricist), Show Girl (Lyricist), Girl Crazy (Lyricist), Sweet and Low (Lyricist), Shoot the Works! (Lyricist), Of Thee I Sing (Lyricist), Pardon My English (Lyricist), Let 'Em Eat Cake (Lyricist), Life Begins at 8:40 (Lyricist), Porgy and Bess (Lyricist), Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 (Lyricist), All Points West (Lyricist), Lady in the Dark (Lyricist), The Firebrand of Florence (Lyricist), Park Avenue (Lyricist), Do It Again! (Lyricist), Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill (Lyricist), Mr. Words (Lyricist), A Kurt Weill Cabaret (Lyricist), My One and Only (Lyricist), Gertrude Stein and a Companion (Additional Music), Reaching for the Moon (Lyricist), Crazy for You (Lyricist), The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm (Composer/Lyricist), George Gershwin Alone (Composer/Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Lyricist), Never Gonna Dance (Lyricist), Here Lies Jenny (Lyricist), Here Lies Jenny (Lyricist), LoveMusik (Lyricist), Stairway to Paradise (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), The Gershwins' An American In Paris (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Lyricist), A Night With Janis Joplin (Lyricist), A Star is Born (Music & Lyrics).
What awards has Ira Gershwin been nominated for?
Ira Gershwin has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for "Crazy For You" and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Of Thee I Sing". These nominations highlight the recognition and acclaim that Ira Gershwin's work has received in the Broadway industry.
What awards has Ira Gershwin won?
Ira Gershwin has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable achievements include receiving the American Express Award for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Crazy For You." He also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Of Thee I Sing." These awards recognize his talent and contribution to the Broadway industry.
Videos