American Masters Season 2 Episode 5 George Gershwin Remembered

In American Masters season 2 episode 5, titled "George Gershwin Remembered", viewers are taken on a journey through the life and legacy of one of America's most iconic composers. The documentary features rare archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and collaborators of Gershwin, shedding light on his creative process and personal life.

The episode begins by exploring Gershwin's early life in Brooklyn, where he was born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents in 1898. Despite a lack of formal musical training, Gershwin showed an early aptitude for music and began playing piano at a young age. As a teenager, he dropped out of school to work as a "song plugger" in Tin Pan Alley, where he would play new sheet music for potential buyers.

From there, Gershwin's career began to take off. He composed his first hit song, "Swanee", in 1919, which was performed by Al Jolson and became a national sensation. Gershwin continued to write popular songs throughout the 1920s and 30s, and his innovative use of jazz and classical music in works like "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" cemented his reputation as a musical genius.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from a variety of voices who knew Gershwin personally. His brother, Ira, who collaborated with George on many of his most famous songs, provides insight into their creative process and the close bond they shared. Other musicians and composers, including Leonard Bernstein and Michael Feinstein, discuss Gershwin's lasting impact on American music and the ways in which his work has influenced their own art.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the episode is its exploration of Gershwin's relationship with his Muse, Kay Swift. A talented composer and performer in her own right, Swift became Gershwin's close friend and collaborator in the 1920s. Though they never had a romantic relationship, their partnership was vital to Gershwin's creative process, and many of his most famous works were inspired by her. Swift herself provides commentary in the form of interviews recorded before her death in 1993.

Overall, "George Gershwin Remembered" is a fascinating and engaging portrait of a musical icon and the enduring legacy he left behind. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gershwin's music or just discovering his immense talent for the first time, this episode is sure to deepen your appreciation for one of America's greatest composers.