Ira Gershwin

Musician Michael Feinstein chronicles his experience working as an archivist and cataloger for legendary songwriter Ira Gershwin. Originally broadcast Oct. 17, 2012.

Musician Michael Feinstein chronicles his experience working as an archivist and cataloger for legendary songwriter Ira Gershwin. The book is presented through the stories of 12 of the Gershwin brothers' songs, including "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Man I Love" and "I Got Rhythm."

This interview was originally broadcast on Oct. 17, 2012.

Musician Michael Feinstein chronicles his experience working as an archivist and cataloger for legendary songwriter Ira Gershwin. The book is presented through the stories of 12 of the Gershwin brothers' songs, including "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Man I Love" and "I Got Rhythm."

The musical-theater titan tells the stories behind some of his most famous work, from West Side Story to Gypsy. And he offers some surprising criticisms of other theater greats, including his mentor Oscar Hammerstein.

His repertoire is American popular song. Early in his career he was an assistant to Ira Gershwin. He's also a collector of vintage recordings and musical memorabilia — especially that of the 1920s [through] the 1940s. Recently Rhino Records released an anthology of Feinstein's recordings. This interview first aired July 29, 2002.

Pianist and singer Michael Feinstein. His repertoire is American popular song and he is a collector of vintage recordings and musical memorabilia. In the fall he plans to release a collection of radio duets by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, on his new record label Feinery. Feinstein released a new CD with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Feinstein and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (Concord).

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new Great Performances special on PBS (March 7, 9PM most stations), "Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall."

Today marks the 100th birthday of Ira Gershwin, who died in 1983 at the age of 86. One man who knew Ira and his work well is Robert Kimball, who compiled and edited The Complete Lyrics of Ira Gershwin. He also serves as artistic advisor to the estate of Ira Gershwin. Kimball is currently working on the next book in the Knopf series "The Complete Lyrics of Irvine Berlin." A ceremony, "Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall," will be televised on PBS on Great Performances in March 1997. Our interview with Kimball was originally aired on 1/17/94.

Musical theater historian Robert Kimball. Kimball compiled and edited The Complete Lyrics of Ira Gershwin (Knopf) and is artistic advisor to the estate of Ira Gershwin. Kimball knew Ira Gershwin and his wife Leonore. He also edited The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz will review two albums of Gershwin songs: "Kiri Sings Gershwin," by Kiri Te Kanawa, and "Gershwin Overtures," by John McGlinn.