No. 16. “I Got Rhythm”

GIRL CRAZY (1930). By George Gershwin (music), Ira Gershwin (lyrics), and Guy Bolton & John McGowan (book).

Ethel Merman and company in the original Broadway production of GIRL CRAZY

"I Got Rhythm” made a star out of its original singer, Ethel Merman and remains one of George and Ira Gershwin’s most enduring songs. While Girl Crazy is seldom produced, “…Rhythm” is one of the most frequently performed songs ever written, interpolated into other musicals and every sort of variety show or concert imaginable. It became a foundational jazz standard, with its chord progression—referred to as “rhythm changes”—forming the bases for several other jazz standards and countless improvisations. If you had music classes in school, or sang in choir, you have probably sung this at some point.

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