Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
George Gershwin was born in Brooklyn on September 26, 1898. He left school at an early age to work in Tin Pan Alley as a piano player and composer. His first association with the Broadway theatre came in 1917, when he was hired as a rehearsal pianist for a Jerome Kern-Victor Herbert show.
In 1919, he wrote "Swanee" which was to become his first bonafide hit. Gershwin's twenty-two Broadway musicals included, "Funny Face," and "Girl Crazy," which included some of his most popular songs such as, "Love Walked In," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." He is considered by many to be the greatest composer that the United States has ever produced. George Gershwin died in 1937.
In view of his musical legacy and the pleasure that his music continues to provide us, it is fitting that West 50th Street between 8th Avenue and Broadway in New York City's theatre district be renamed "George Gershwin Way."
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.