# Ira Gershwin

> American lyricist (1896–1983)

**Wikidata**: [Q61059](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61059)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Gershwin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ira-gershwin

## Summary
Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist (1896–1983) known for his contributions to popular music, particularly through collaborations with his brother George Gershwin. He won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Grammy Trustees Award, cementing his legacy as a key figure in 20th-century American songwriting.

## Biography
- Born: December 6, 1896
- Nationality: United States
- Education: City College of New York
- Known for: Writing lyrics for groundbreaking musical works with his brother George Gershwin
- Employer(s): City College of New York
- Field(s): Lyricism, popular music

## Contributions
- Co-wrote lyrics for *Of Thee I Sing* (1930), a musical that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama
- Collaborated with George Gershwin on songs like "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me"
- Received the Grammy Trustees Award in 1972 for his contributions to the music industry
- Awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 1983 for his lifetime achievements in music

## FAQs
**What is Ira Gershwin known for?**
Ira Gershwin is known for his lyric-writing collaborations with his brother George Gershwin, which produced iconic songs and the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical *Of Thee I Sing*.

**Where did Ira Gershwin study?**
Ira Gershwin attended the City College of New York, where he pursued his education.

**What awards did Ira Gershwin receive?**
Ira Gershwin received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Grammy Trustees Award, and a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to music.

**What was Ira Gershwin's most famous work?**
One of Ira Gershwin's most famous works is *Of Thee I Sing*, a musical that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

## Why They Matter
Ira Gershwin's contributions to American music were pivotal in shaping the sound of popular songs in the mid-20th century. His collaborations with George Gershwin created timeless lyrics that remain staples of jazz and Broadway. His work influenced generations of lyricists and solidified his place as a foundational figure in the Golden Age of American music. Without his contributions, the musical landscape of the 1930s and beyond would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner for *Of Thee I Sing* (1930)
- Grammy Trustees Award recipient (1972)
- Congressional Gold Medal recipient (1983)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Co-creator of iconic songs like "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me"

## Body
### Early Life
Ira Gershwin was born on December 6, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the City College of New York, where he studied music and developed his skills as a lyricist.

### Career
Ira Gershwin's career was defined by his collaborations with his brother George Gershwin. Together, they co-wrote *Of Thee I Sing*, a musical that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1930. The show featured songs like "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me," which became enduring classics of American music.

### Awards and Recognition
Ira Gershwin received numerous accolades for his work, including the Grammy Trustees Award in 1972 and a Congressional Gold Medal in 1983. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

### Legacy
Ira Gershwin's legacy endures through his lyrical contributions to some of the most beloved songs in American musical history. His work with George Gershwin set a standard for lyric-writing that continues to influence composers and performers today.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Genealogics
5. [Source](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/218)
6. [Source](http://walkoffame.com/george-and-ira-gershwin)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. Discogs
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. MusicBrainz
12. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/2010561028)
13. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/2010561020)
14. [Source](http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu021030)
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. International Music Score Library Project
19. filmportal.de
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Gershwin%20Ira)
22. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1938)
23. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1945)
24. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1955)
25. CONOR.SI
26. ISWC Network
27. Israeli Music Collection
28. LIBRIS. 2018
29. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
30. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data