In 1924, bandleader Paul Whiteman commissioned George Gershwin to write a jazz piece in concerto form for Whiteman's orchestra. Gershwin had five weeks to compose the piece, since it was supposed to debut at an all-jazz concert in honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The rest, as they say, is history: this is the first recording of the immortal "Rhapsody in Blue," considered one of the defining compositions of the Jazz Age (this Hackwhacker is proud to have this 78 rpm recording, btw). It's always a thrill to listen to this, especially knowing it's Gershwin himself at the piano. Whiteman died on this day in 1967 at the age of 77. Hope you enjoy this classic.
