Ira Gershwin

Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) was an American lyricist and songwriter whose work helped define the Great American Songbook. He is best known for his collaborations with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, writing lyrics for stage and film songs marked by wit, elegance, and conversational ease. Among his best-known lyrics are “I Got Rhythm” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” After George’s death, Ira continued writing and collaborated with other composers, including Harold Arlen. Across decades of work, Gershwin’s lyrics paired sophisticated rhyme with natural speech, shaping the sound of American popular music and musical theatre.