George Gershwin (1898-1937) The composer was born Jacob Gershvin in Brooklyn, NY. He wrote most of his work with his elder brother, lyricist Ira. Equally at home in Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, Hollywood, and the concert hall, he is best known for his symphonic masterpiece "Rhapsody in Blue," as well as such popular hits as "Swanee," "I Got Rhythm," and many more. When he asked Igor Stravinsky for lessons, the Russian-born composer, upon hearing how much Gershwin earned, replied, "How about you giving me lessons?"