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American composer and pianist who bridged jazz, popular, and classical musicBorn to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, rose from Tin Pan Alley songwriter to acclaimed composer; created Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess; died unexpectedly at 38

• Gershwin died of a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor after misdiagnosis as 'hysteria'. Collapsed while orchestrating film scores in Hollywood.
• Never married; had a decade-long relationship with composer Kay Swift, who helped complete some works. Swift couldn't marry him due to her existing marriage.
• Despite wealth and fame, struggled with impostor syndrome in classical circles. Studied intensively with composers like Ravel and Boulanger who rejected him, saying 'Why be a second-rate Ravel when you're a first-rate Gershwin?'
• Porgy and Bess faced criticism for cultural appropriation. Used authentic Gullah influences but featured white cast in blackface during early stagings.