George Gershwin (1898–1937) was an American composer and pianist renowned for blending classical music with jazz and popular styles. His groundbreaking works include Rhapsody in Blue (1924), An American in Paris (1928), and the opera Porgy and Bess (1935), which features the timeless song "Summertime" . Gershwin's collaborations with his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin, produced enduring standards like "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You." His innovative compositions have left a lasting impact on both classical and popular music.