Easy listening today as we hear songs from Broadway and movies, along with a recording by Gershwin himself. The “Who’s Who” of singers include Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, and Jane Froman.
The Music of George Gershwin
George Gershwin (Photo: unnamed photographer in employ of Bain News Service / Public domain)
Playlist
“So Am I” from Lady, Be Good! by George Gershwin
George Gershwin, piano
(Duo Art piano roll, 1925. ELEKTRA-NONESUCH 9 79287-2)
“A Foggy Day (in London Town)” from A Damsel in Distress by George Gershwin
Fred Astaire, singer-dancer-actor; Ray Noble and His Orchestra
(New York in 1937. SONY MH2K 60648)
“The Man I Love” by George Gershwin
Jane Froman, singer-actress; Victor Salon Group; Nathaniel Shilkret, conductor
(New York 1938. RCA VICTOR 09026-63275-2)
Prelude No.1: Allegro ben ritamo e deciso by George Gershwin
George Gershwin, piano
(New York 1928. SONY MH2K 60648)
“Someone to Watch Over Me” from Oh, Kay! by George Gershwin
Frank Sinatra, singer-actor-producer; with Orchestra; Axel Stordahl, conductor
(Hollywood 1945. SONY J2K 89913)
“Oh, Lady Be Good!” from Lady, Be Good! by George Gershwin
Ella Fitzgerald, singer; Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra
(Hollywood 1959. VERVE 314 529 581-2)
“Embraceable You” from Girl Crazy by George Gershwin
Nat King Cole, singer-pianist; King Cole Trio
(Hollywood 1961. CAPITOL CDP 7243 8 29393 2 0)
“It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin
Aretha Franklin, singer; with Orchestra; Robert Mersey, conductor
(1961. SONY J2K 89913)