George and Ira Gershwin were brothers who became one of the greatest songwriting teams in American music history. Working together, alone, or with other songwriters they created countless classic pieces, including Rhapsody in Blue, “I Got Rhythm,” “Summertime,” and many more.

The story of George and Ira began in New York, New York in 1896; the year older brother Ira was born. George was born only two years later, and the brothers remained close until George tragically died at the age of 38 from a brain tumor. In their short time together, the Gershwins composed music for Broadway shows, Hollywood movies, and even operas. Their music touched millions in the United States and around the world. Today, people still love to listen to their wonderful music.

It’s not just audiences that show their appreciation of the Gershwin brothers’ music. In 1931, they won a Pulitzer Prize for their musical Of Thee I Sing. In 1985, the United States Congress honored the Gershwin brothers a Congressional Gold Medal—only the third time songwriters have been honored this way.

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