George Gershwin Quotes

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

- George Gershwin

I want to say at once that I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived.... His songs are exquisite cameos of perfection, and each one of them is as beautiful as its neighbor. Irving Berlin remains, I think, America's Schubert.

- George Gershwin

I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise.

- George Gershwin

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

- George Gershwin

The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

- George Gershwin

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.

- George Gershwin

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

- George Gershwin

Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise.

- George Gershwin

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

- George Gershwin

Upper berth, lower berth, that's the difference between talent and genius.

- George Gershwin

All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won't do the job. A man also needs technique.

- George Gershwin

Writing music is not so much inspiration as hard work.

- George Gershwin

It is always possible to create something original.

- George Gershwin

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?

- George Gershwin