Ira Gershwin, the first songwriter to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize, was born in New York City on December 6, 1896. In 1917 The Evening Sun published his first song ("You May Throw All The Rice You Desire But Please Friends, Throw No Shoes"). Four years later Ira enjoyed his first major stage success, Two Little Girls in Blue, written with another Broadway newcomer, Vincent Youmans. In 1924 Ira and his brother, George, created the smash hit Lady Be Good and went on to continue their remarkable collaboration through a dozen major stage scores, producing such standards as "Fascinating Rhythm," ... read more
George S. Kaufman was an American playwright, director, and producer who was born on November 16, 1889, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was known for his wit and satire, and his work helped shape the American theater in the early 20th century.
Kaufman began his career as a journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines. In 1918, he wrote his first play, "Someone in the House," which was produced on Broadway the following year. He quickly became a prolific playwright, collaborating with other writers such as Edna Ferber, Moss Hart, and Irving Berlin.
One of Kaufman's most famous works is "You Can't Take It ... read more
