In this episode, we spin off our previous episode “Stardust” and deep dive on a single song and its many, MANY renditions. This time we’re focusing on “I Got Rhythm,” written by George and Ira Gershwin. So many artists across genres have recorded versions of this tune since its conception in 1930. Additionally, its harmonic structure, known as “rhythm changes,” inspired countless jazz and improvisation compositions. 

Check out George Gershwin performing his own composition for solo piano. Ethel Merman was the first vocalist to record this tune. Here she is performing it in 1956. In the film adaptation of Girl Crazy, Judy Garland took the song for a spin, backed by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra. 

In the 1951 film An American in Paris, Gene Kelly gives a song and dance lesson to a group of children. At the 1982 Kennedy Center Honors, Gregory Hines sang and tapped to “I Got Rhythm” in this wonderful tribute to Gene Kelly. 

Listen to the songs featured in this episode, as well as some bonus tracks, check out this episode’s companion playlist on Spotify. 

Song Credits: 

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by George Gerswhin, Live at the Manhattan Theatre; Written by George Gershwin; 1933

“Symphony No. 1, ‘Afro-American;’” Performed by Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Composed by William Grant Still; Chandos Records, 1988

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Ethel Merman, Jay Blackton & His Orchestra; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gerswhin; 1937

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Ethel Merman; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; A&M Records, 1979

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Sam Lanin and His Orchestra; Written by George Gerswhin and Ira Gershwin; Banner, 1930

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Ethel Waters; Written by George Gerswhin and Ira Gershwin; Columbia, 1930

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Judy Garland; Written by George Gerswhin and Ira Gershwin; Decca Records, 1944

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Larry Adler; Written by George Gerswhin and Ira Gershwin; Shellac, 1939

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Ella Fitzgerald; Written by George Gerswhin and Ira Gershwin; Verve, 1959

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Canadian Brass; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Universal International Music B.V., 1994

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Art Tatum Trio; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Verve, 1944

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Kiri Te Kanawa; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Parlophone Records, 1987

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Thelonius Monk; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Black Lion, 1979

“I Got Rhythm;” Performed by Brian Wilson; Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Disney, 2010

“Variations on ‘I Got Rhythm’”; Performed by The Boston Pops; Written by George Gershwin; BM Music, 1991