George Gershwin was arguably the greatest influence on 20th century music. Gershwin's music was composed of both popular and classical musical genres, but his most popular refrains are widely known. Gershwin's work has been used and heard in many films, plays including Broadway, and suitable for television. George Gershwin today remains one of the greatest and most influential musical composers and pianists of all time. On September 26, 1898, in Brooklyn, New York, the legend was born. George Gershwin, son of Russian Jewish immigrants. George sparked his interest in music when his mother and father purchased a discarded piano for George's older brother, Israel. At the age of 15, Gershwin dropped out of school and began playing in New York nightclubs. He spent his days and nights playing the piano for demanding clients. After three years of playing songs for clients, he transformed himself into a highly skilled and extraordinary composer. To earn extra money, Gershwin worked as a rehearsal pianist for Broadway singers. Soon after Gershwin released his first song "When You Want 'Me, You Can't Get 'Me, When You've Got 'Em, You Don't Want 'Em". At the time it was published, Gershwin was only At the age of 17, the song earned him $5. In 1917, Gershwin created a new song, called "Rialto Ripples", which was a commercial success. In 1919 he recorded and made his first national hit song called "Swanee". Broadway singer Al Jolson heard Gershwin's performance of "Swanee" at a party and decided to sing it in one of his shows. That's when George Gershwin's career really took off. Between 1920 and 1924, Gershwin put on a show for an annual George White production. George White was a composer, musical director...... middle of paper ......In conclusion, probably the greatest influence on American music in the 20th century was the music of George Gershwin of both musical genres popular and classical, Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular refrains are widely known. Gershwin's compositions have been used and heard in many films, plays including Broadway, and adapted for television. George Gershwin remains today one of the greatest and most influential musical composers and pianists of all time. Gershwin is still celebrated by many aspiring musical artists and composers. He was able to innovate the music and make it his own. Although he died at a young age, he still had the greatest impact on 20th century American music. Thanks to Gershwin's innovation of musical genres, he made room for more and more artists to thrive today.