Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Trust archive, 1895-2012

Collection Summary

Title	Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Trust archive, 1895-2012
Inclusive Dates	1895-2012
Bulk Dates	1950-1993
Call No.	ML31.G383
Creator	Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Trusts
Extent	approximately 108,000 items
Extent	600 containers
Extent	267 linear feet
Extent	24 photograph binders
Extent	9 mapcase folders
Language	Collection material in English
Location	Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Finding Aid Permalink	Cite or bookmark this finding aid as: https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu022023
LCCN Permalink	LC Catalog record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2018571963
Summary	Composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) and his lyricist brother Ira (1896-1983) wrote some of the most significant American popular songs of the first half of the twentieth century. After George's untimely death in 1937, Ira worked with many other notable composers and diligently kept his brother's legacy alive. After Ira's death, his wife, Leonore, created the Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Trusts in 1987 to function as a philanthropic fund endowing organizations in areas such as the arts, education, and medical research. The Gershwin Trusts also handled day-to-day business concerning licensing and royalties, as well as innovating new Gershwin recording projects and new stage musicals. The Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Trust materials include scores and parts, correspondence, photographs, programs, business and financial papers, clippings and serials, art work, posters, and promotional materials.