Gershwin dropped out of school at the age of 15 to work as a songwriter for a music publisher.¹⁾

Gershwin never studied music in a conservatory. He did, however, take individual lessons for five years and studied music theory and piano throughout his life.²⁾

George and his brother Ira both became accomplished painters.³⁾

Porgy and Bess, Gershwin's outstanding opera, was a disappointment when it premiered in 1935.⁴⁾

Gershwin did not marry. He claimed to be “too busy,” although he enjoyed dating a lot.⁵⁾

Gershwin died at the age of 38 from a brain tumor.⁶⁾

Gershwin apparently learnt from a newspaper story in January 1924 that he was supposed to write a “jazz concerto” for a program of new American music to be delivered a month later by popular dance band leader Paul Whiteman. Gershwin composed a two-piano version at breakneck speed, which was subsequently arranged by Whiteman's arranger. Rhapsody in Blue, with Gershwin as soloist, was a triumph, and it is now regarded as a watershed moment in American music.⁷⁾