101 Years of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue!

Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin’s composition for solo piano and jazz band, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its premiere on February 12, 2024, with concerts around the world, in cities including New York City, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Memphis, and San Francisco. It will celebrate its 101st birthday this year!

Did you know that Gershwin almost didn’t compose the now-famous piece?

Paul Whiteman, a popular bandleader in the 1920s, asked Gershwin to compose a work to be performed at his 1924 concert “An Experiment in Modern Music” in New York City. The concert was to showcase how jazz, a genre that was growing in popularity, could be integrated into the world of classical music. Whiteman approached Gershwin about writing a “jazz concerto” for the program, but Gershwin turned down the request, thinking he wouldn’t have enough time to compose a work before the premiere.

That all changed when his brother, Ira, opened up the New York Tribune newspaper, which announced to its readers that George was busy working on the jazz concerto for the concert! Gershwin immediately spoke with Whiteman, who convinced George to quickly write American Rhapsody, now known as Rhapsody in Blue. Another musician, Ferde Grofé, created the parts for Whiteman’s band based upon Gershwin’s musical ideas. Gershwin himself played the piano part, which he improvised during the world premiere. This last-minute composition was a huge success and has become one of the most beloved pieces in piano repertoire.

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