I Like a Gershwin Tune; How About You? Finding George and Ira at the Library of Congress

A couple weeks ago, I went to visit my sister in Washington, D.C. It was wonderful to see her and have her show us around her city!

The last time my family went to D.C., I was pretty young and didn’t know how to express what I was interested in seeing. But this time, I came prepared with a five page list. (Shoutout to my family for letting me plan the trip!)

Out of all the museums we went to, my favorite place was an exhibit titled “Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin” at the Library of Congress. (The name of the exhibit is a sweet nod to the song “Our Love is Here to Stay,” featured in An American in Paris.) Over time, I’ll be sharing some more of my Old Hollywood/vintage finds, but I thought I’d start with this one because I’m especially excited about it! I took way too many pictures but I’ll hit the highlights.

The room that the exhibit is housed in is relatively small; tucked down the hall on the first floor. But when I wheeled in and heard the Gershwin instrumentals playing over the speaker, I felt instantly at home. The place had a warm, familiar quality, and was filled with so much interesting information!

I adored this place. It was so peaceful. I felt like I was in a world apart from everything else.

I didn’t know that George and Ira were wonderful painters. Here’s George’s portrait of Jerome Kern. It’s so neat to see his interpretation of another musician.

I love the movie Cover Girl, with Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth. Here are some alternate lyrics Ira came up with for Jerome Kern’s melody, which eventually became the song “Long Ago and Far Away.”

George’s first hit song, “Swanee,” with lyrics by Irving Caesar. The song was made famous by Al Jolson.

George’s first metronome, ca. 1910

Mama and Papa Gershwin

Short story by Ira

The first song George and Ira published together was published under Ira’s pseudonym, Arthur Francis.

Ira’s wife, Leonore “Lee” Strunsky. They were married for 57 years.

Maybe my favorite photo from the exhibit!

The score for An American in Paris!

Program from George Gershwin’s memorial service. In the far upper left corner is Otto Klemperer, the father of Werner Klemperer (aka Colonel Klink from Hogan’s Heroes)!

I didn't know Ira had written a memoir. I'll be keeping an eye out for it now!

George's desk, where he scored much of his later work

Ira's desk and typewriter

George’s piano!!

George’s self-portrait

Ira’s self-portrait (both portraits were behind ropes, but it was especially hard to get this one. Sorry for the poor quality!)

George's Hollywood Contract Confirmation

From the film "Delicious"

Music and lyrics for "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"

On the set of Shall We Dance (1937). Seated, from left: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and George Gershwin. Standing, from left: Hermes Pan, Mark Sandrich, Ira Gershwin, and Nathaniel Shilkret.

Things are always changing, especially in big cities. But it looks like in a small corner of the Library of Congress, the Gershwin brothers really are here to stay. And I think that’s s’wonderful.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of this delightful exhibit. Until next week, keep living vintage!

Becca