The composer

The son of Russian immigrants, George Gershwin began his musical career in New York as a ‘plugger’ for Jerome H Remick & Co, playing the publisher’s songs on the piano to potential performers. Though his talents as both a pianist and composer had already attracted attention, it was the premiere of Rhapsody in Blue in February 1924 that turned the 25 year-old into a major star. A rapidly swelling bank balance enabled the purchase of smart Manhattan apartment, and he became a familiar figure in New York’s social and artistic circles. His Concerto in F followed the next year.