Fresh Air
Fresh Air
NPR
Canonical Lyricist Ira Gershwin Gets His Due
48 minutes Posted Nov 27, 2024 at 7:19 pm.
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Show notes
Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics for some of the most enduring songs in the Great American Songbook, including "I Got Rhythm," "S'Wonderful," "Embraceable You," "Love is Here to Stay," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." Biographer Michael Owen talks about Ira's collaboration with his brother George, his writing process, and the line he added to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Later, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead remembers drummer Roy Haynes.

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