On 7 January 1924, George Gershwin completed his first major classical work, the incomparable score of Rhapsody in Blue. Composed for for orchestra and piano, it was first orchestrated by Ferde Grofé and premiered by Paul Whiteman's concert band in New York. Without question, Rhapsody in Blue has proved to be Gershwin's most recognized and popular work.

Born Jacob Gershowitz in 1898 in Brooklyn, New York, he was only 26 years old when he completed the composition. Interestingly, Gershwin didn’t have an interest in music until his family got him a piano when he was twelve. Nine years later he had his first big national hit, Swanee, with lyrics written by Irving Caesar.

A very successful and accomplished composer, Gershwin wrote most of his works together with his elder brother lyricist Ira Gershwin. Many of his compositions have been used in cinema and many are famous jazz standards. Songbooks have been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (who has recorded three memorable discs for Verve, with Nelson Riddle's orchestra), Herbie Hancock, and several other singers or players.

No matter how you hear it, Rhapsody in Blue will remain the signature of one of the most influential of composers, songwriters and pianists in American music history.