Gershwin, Ira

Gershwin, Ira [ Israel Gershvin] (1896–1989), American lyricist, whose collaboration with his brother George [ Jacob] (1898–1937) as composer produced a series of memorable musicals. Their first published collaboration was the song ‘Waiting for the Sun to Come Out’ in 1920, Ira using the pseudonym Arthur Francis to avoid trading on his brother's reputation, already established with songs such as Al Jolson's hit ‘Swanee’. George continued to write with other lyricists until 1924, when the score for Lady, Be Good! (London, 1926) triumphantly renewed their partnership, Ira's colloquial and innovative lyrics combining with George's jazz-inspired score in such enduring songs as ‘Fascinating Rhythm’. Their later work included Oh, Kay! (1926; London, 1927); Funny Face (1927; London, 1928), with ‘'S Wonderful’ and ‘My One and Only’; Strike up the Band and Girl Crazy, with ‘I Got Rhythm’ (both 1930). Of Thee I Sing (1931) was the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize, and in 1935 came their finest (and last) work, the Negro folk opera Porgy and Bess (London, 1952). After his brother's death Ira wrote the lyrics for only three more shows, the most notable being Lady in the Dark (1941) to the music of Kurt Weill. The brothers also wrote for the cinema, and George composed music for the concert hall.