IRA GERSHWIN

Ira Gershwin was a lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs in the English language of the 20th century. With George, he wrote more than a dozen Broadway shows, featuring songs such as Got Rhythm, Embraceable You, The Man I Love, and Someone to Watch Over Me. The success the Gershwin brothers had with their collaborative works has often overshadowed the creative role that Ira played. His mastery of songwriting continued after George's early death in 1937. Ira wrote additional hit songs and his critically acclaimed 1959 book Lyrics on Several Occasions is widely considered an important source for studying the art of the lyricist in the golden age of American popular song. Ira passed away in 1983 at the age of 86.