Stories of Standards I Got Rhythm Linda Hillshafer Share
Tune in weekday mornings to hear our favorite versions of “I Got Rhythm.” Rodney Franks presents Stories of Standards Monday through Friday at 7:50 and 8:50 a.m.!
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George and Ira Gershwin wrote “I Got Rhythm” for the 1930 Broadway musical “Girl Crazy”, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman in her Broadway debut. While Ginger Rogers made her debut here as a leading lady, Ethel Merman got the press. The Red Nichols Band, including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, Jimmy Dorsey, and Gene Krupa, played the music and had jam sessions during intermissions. George Gershwin acted as conductor for the premier, with Earl Busby conducting for all following performances. “Girl Crazy” ran for 272 performances, from October 14, 1930, to June 6, 1931. Red Nichols and His Five Pennies’ recording went to number five on the charts. “I Got Rhythm” w