George Gershwin Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin1rank/position

40th Prize Winners' Commemorative Concert, Piano Duet Advanced [Gold Prize] Ikumi Osamura & Takumi Osamura / Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Composed in 1924 by American musical innovator George Gershwin, this piece was a bold experiment that fused classical music with jazz, inscribing a new page in American music history.

It vividly portrays the vast American “melting pot” and the energy of the city through music, and it’s also fascinating that Gershwin completed it in just five weeks.

Although written for piano and orchestra, performing it as a piano duet reveals a different kind of appeal.

Showcasing Gershwin’s talents to the fullest, this masterpiece is highly recommended for both classical enthusiasts and jazz lovers.

Daylight saving timeGeorge Gershwin2rank/position

Summertime (Gershwin) – The Pianos of Cha’n

How about a soothing lullaby that’s perfect for a languid summer afternoon? It’s a piece from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess, first introduced to the world in 1935.

This work blends the free-spirited feel of jazz with the beauty of classical music, gently embracing the listener’s heart.

Though the melody is simple, you can sense deep emotions drifting beneath the surface.

The lyrics portray a mother’s love as she soothes her child and a quiet hope for the future, imbued with the spiritual worldview of African Americans.

It’s also known for its effective use in the 1959 film adaptation of Porgy and Bess.

Tenderly accompanying hearts weary from the heat and offering a peaceful moment, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to relax and savor music at an unhurried pace.

Piano Concerto in F majorGeorge Gershwin3rank/position

Gershwin Concerto in F 3rd movement (excerpt) Hayato Sumino / Boston Pops

Composer George Gershwin, who shines brilliantly in American music history.

With his original musical style that fused jazz and classical, he created masterpieces such as Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess.

One of his signature works is the Piano Concerto in F, premiered in 1925.

At its debut at Carnegie Hall, Gershwin himself played the piano and is said to have captivated the audience.

This concerto, consisting of three movements, is notable for the lively Charleston rhythms of the first movement, the graceful blues of the second, and the passionate ragtime of the third.

Seamlessly incorporating elements of jazz while respecting the formal beauty of classical music, it is truly a groundbreaking work.

I Got RhythmGeorge Gershwin4rank/position

George Gershwin – I Got Rhythm

It’s one of the signature pieces by American composer George Gershwin.

The song was featured in the 1951 musical film “An American in Paris.” Although it’s a piece from more than 60 years ago, its upbeat, straightforward melody means it’s still frequently used in commercials today.

Love Is Here to StayGeorge Gershwin5rank/position

Love Is Here To Stay (Remastered 1998)

Love Is Here to Stay, composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, is one of the most beautiful and moving works among jazz standards.

Composed in 1937 and completed after George’s passing, the song celebrates the enduring nature of true love and has been cherished by many artists.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics make it approachable for beginners while fully conveying the charm of jazz.

Known for its many interpretations, it invites performers to add their own arrangements and create a personal rendition of Love Is Here to Stay.

For those looking to start their journey into jazz, this piece is an ideal choice.

I hope you’ll not only grasp the essence of jazz but also feel the joy of performing it.

Porgy and Bess: SummertimeGeorge Gershwin6rank/position

Porgy & Bess “Summertime”

Here is a song by George Gershwin, the composer of many classic musicals.

Written in 1935 as one of the numbers in the musical Porgy and Bess, it is introduced as a lullaby sung by a Black nursemaid to a child.

The title is literally “Summertime.” Although it was originally a slow piece, it was later taken up by jazz musicians, giving rise to many variations.

It might be fun to compare the original with later versions.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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SummertimeGeorge Gershwin7rank/position

Miles Davis – Summertime (with Quincy Jones & Orchestra Live At Montreux 1991) ~ 1080p HD

George Gershwin, an American composer who worked across a wide range of genres including jazz, popular music, and classical, premiered his opera Porgy and Bess in 1935.

Its famous aria Summertime is not only sung by vocalists but is also beloved in instrumental performances on various instruments.

The lyrics are a lullaby wishing for a child’s growth, yet the song’s relaxed, languid mood pairs perfectly with jazz trumpet—making it a piece that lets the trumpet show off its coolness to the fullest.

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yuri

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