112. Rhapsody in Blue: The Story of a Song

In this solo ep, Tim talks through the history – and indeed, the controversy – of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. It's one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever composed. But its origin story is a little complicated. Leave it to Timmy to sort it all out!

SONGS PLAYED:

George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue

Eddie Cantor - If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie!)

Willie "The Lion" Smith - Keep Your Temper

W.C. Handy - St. Louis Blues

Paul Simon - Crazy Love, Vol. II

Béla Fleck - Rhapsody in Blue(grass)

FURTHER READING:

Arranging Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue and the Creation of an American Icon by Ryan Bañagale

‘We must face harms done”: Béla Fleck’s defense of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.