Fresh Air Podcast Summary: "Canonical Lyricist Ira Gershwin Gets His Due"

Podcast Information

• Title: Fresh Air
• Host: Terry Gross
• Episode Title: Canonical Lyricist Ira Gershwin Gets His Due
• Release Date: November 27, 2024
• Guest: Michael Owen, author of Ira: A Life in Words

Introduction to Ira Gershwin's Legacy Terry Gross opens the episode by highlighting Ira Gershwin's indelible impact on American music, referencing classic songs like "Lady Be Good," "Embraceable You," and "Swonderful Love is Here to Stay." She introduces Michael Owen, the author of Ira: A Life in Words, who provides an in-depth exploration of Ira's contributions to the Gershwin legacy.

The Beginnings of Gershwin's Songwriting Partnership (02:43 - 06:38) Michael Owen discusses the pivotal year of 1924 when Ira and his younger brother George Gershwin first collaborated on the Broadway show Lady Be Good. He notes, “1924 was absolutely a big year for Ira Gershwin. George had brought them together for the first time as a songwriting team” (04:32). This successful partnership laid the foundation for their prolific career. Owen also delves into the contrasting personalities of the Gershwin brothers—George's extroversion and musical prowess versus Ira's introspective, word-focused nature. Despite their differences, growing up two years apart allowed them to complement each other creatively.

Ira Gershwin’s Literary Influences and Contributions (06:38 - 09:14) Terry Gross brings up Ira's friendship with the renowned lyricist Yip Harburg, best known for "Over the Rainbow." Owen reveals, “Ira was the one who came up with the line about bluebirds flying at the end,” contributing to the song's memorable conclusion (07:14). This collaboration exemplifies Ira's literary depth and his ability to enhance his peers' work, even if he didn’t always receive public credit for his contributions.

Analyzing "But Not For Me" (09:14 - 14:42) The conversation shifts to one of Ira’s most beloved songs, "But Not For Me" from the 1930 musical Girl Crazy. Owen explains, “'But Not For Me' is a very romantic ballad, and you can take it that way. But if you listen to the lyrics closely, you can hear both Ira's influences” (09:53). The song showcases Ira’s intricate wordplay, such as the line, “I found more skies of gray than any Russian play can guarantee,” blending literary references with emotional depth.

The Evolution of the Gershwin Songwriting Process (14:42 - 19:23) Owen details how the Gershwin brothers’ collaborative process evolved over time. Initially, George would lead with melodic ideas, which Ira would then embellish with complex lyrics. “Over the years, it became more of a joint partnership,” Owen notes, especially as they ventured into political musicals where lyrics took precedence over melody (15:20). This shift allowed Ira’s lyrical prowess to shine, drawing comparisons to literary greats like Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame.

"They Can’t Take That Away From Me" and Collaboration with Fred Astaire (19:23 - 21:51) Discussing the song from the 1937 movie Shall We Dance, Owen highlights the quick creation process tailored to fit specific film sequences. “The songs were written to fit certain sequences in the film. 'They Can’t Take That Away From Me' is one of the best songs that George and I wrote,” he states (19:34). The song’s enduring popularity is attributed to Fred Astaire's rhythmic interpretation, which perfectly matched the Gershwins' musical vision.

Ira Gershwin’s Favorite Songs and Personal Reflections (23:57 - 27:23) When asked about his favorite song, Owen shares insights into Ira’s modesty and personal connections. “Ira was hard-pressed to say what his favorite song was. He always said that it was like choosing your favorite child,” Owen reveals (24:25). The discussion touches on "Embraceable You," highlighting how personal experiences and family interactions influenced Ira’s lyrical content.

Balancing Complexity and Simplicity in Lyrics (25:16 - 27:23) Terry Gross and Owen explore Ira's struggle between crafting intricate lyrics and catering to mainstream audiences. Owen explains, “George may have had a slightly better understanding of the popular audience. They weren't necessarily interested in tricky rhyme schemes and name checks,” emphasizing Ira’s intentional use of wordplay that sometimes went unnoticed by the general public (25:31). This balance contributed to both the artistic richness and commercial success of his songs.

Enduring Songs and Final Years (35:20 - 38:47) The conversation shifts to the latter part of Ira Gershwin's career, examining why his songwriting momentum slowed. Owen attributes this to changing musical tastes with the rise of rock and roll and Ira's disinterest in the evolving landscape of movie musicals and theater (35:20). Despite these challenges, Ira's later years were fulfilling, marked by his interaction with Michael Feinstein and continued appreciation for his vast body of work. Ira Gershwin passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Ira Gershwin (38:47 - 39:39) As the interview wraps up, Terry Gross and Michael Owen reflect on one of Ira’s most enduring songs, "Love Is Here to Stay." Owen remarks, “It's very clear our love is here to stay... But our love is here to stay,” underscoring the timeless nature of Ira's lyrics and their profound emotional resonance (39:08). This song epitomizes the enduring legacy of Ira Gershwin’s lyrical genius.

Final Thoughts Michael Owen's comprehensive insights in Ira: A Life in Words illuminate the depth and breadth of Ira Gershwin's contributions to American music. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Owen paints a vivid portrait of a lyricist whose words continue to enchant and inspire, ensuring Ira Gershwin's rightful place in the pantheon of great American songwriters.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “1924 was absolutely a big year for Ira Gershwin. George had brought them together for the first time as a songwriting team.” (04:32)

• “Ira was the one who came up with the line about bluebirds flying at the end.” (07:14)

• “'But Not For Me' is a very romantic ballad, and you can take it that way. But if you listen to the lyrics closely, you can hear both Ira's influences.” (09:53)

• “Over the years, it became more of a joint partnership.” (15:20)

• “They weren't necessarily interested in tricky rhyme schemes and name checks.” (25:31)

• “Ira was hard-pressed to say what his favorite song was. He always said that it was like choosing your favorite child.” (24:25)

• “It's very clear our love is here to stay... But our love is here to stay.” (39:08)

This summary encapsulates the rich discussions between Terry Gross and Michael Owen, offering listeners a thorough understanding of Ira Gershwin's life, work, and enduring legacy. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Gershwin's music, this episode provides valuable insights into the man behind some of America's most beloved songs.