Ira Gershwin deserves recognition beyond his brother George Gershwin
- Ira Gershwin led a life significantly influenced by his interactions with his younger brother George, a renowned composer.
- Following George's death, Ira devoted his life to preserving his brother's legacy while seeking to define his own identity.
- Michael Owen's biography provides an insightful portrayal of Ira, revealing the depth of his emotional struggles and artistic contributions.
In recent years, Michael Owen's biography presents a nuanced portrait of Ira Gershwin, focusing on the life of the lyricist overshadowed by his younger brother George, a celebrated composer. George's untimely death at the age of 38 due to a brain tumor significantly impacted Ira, who dedicated the remainder of his life to preserving and promoting his brother's legacy while striving to establish his own artistic identity. Owen's work is notable for its detailed exploration of the family dynamics, including the struggles faced by Ira and his siblings amid their parents' various business challenges. Despite his profound talent, Ira often felt eclipsed by George's glamorous reputation and remarkable contributions to music, a sentiment reflected in his often-joking remark about his own epitaph, 'Words Failed Me.' Through interviews with Ira's contemporaries and exhaustive research, Owen sheds light on the emotional weight Ira carried throughout his life, ultimately revealing the lonely existence of a gifted artist constantly trying to shine despite the lingering shadow of his brother's genius.