George Gershwin was born on September 26, 1898, in a hospital on 242 Snedliker Ave, Brooklyn, NY. Both his parents were born in Vilna, Russia, and they immigrated to New York in 1891. His parents made a living by owning several different businesses, a restaurant, a cleaners, and a spa. Throughout his childhood he worked for his father during the summer.

George had two brothers, Ira and Arthur, and a sister Frances. His older brother Ira wrote the music for George's music. His other two siblings weren't really involved in music. Gershwin's parents supported his interest in music until he dropped out of high school to compose.

George had many musical influences through out his life. His first influence, and the one who taught him the basics of music, was Mamie Choo, a girl in George's class who sang and played the piano. He went to her house for lessons a couple...