Description

Gershwin commenced the composition of Summertime in December 1933, striving to craft his own spiritual piece reminiscent of the African American folk music of that era. The song is performed several times within his opera, Porgy and Bess.

Gershwin's Summertime is among the most frequently covered songs in popular music, boasting nearly 3,000 distinct recorded versions. This rendition, set in A minor, is a whole tone lower than the original B minor version, yet it remains the most favored key for performances.