Historian, researcher and archivist Michael Owen has delved deeply into the life and lines of celebrated songwriter Ira Gershwin in this detailed recollection of a spirit devoted to lyrics.

Ira and his older brother, George, were sons of Russian Jewish parents who immigrated to America in search of the dream that beckoned for so many in the late 1800s. The New York City streets where the boys hung out were filled with music. George soon became known for his ability to compose music in a variety of genres. Ira was less outgoing, spending his time reading books and making lists of what he read. But once the brothers began to collaborate, realizing that they were a phenomenal team, their lives took a massive upswing.

"Michael Owen’s frank, fact-filled and up-close portrait of Ira Gershwin is a gift --- and an insightful reminder --- for a new generation of music lovers and creators."

As their success grew --- with numbers like “S’Wonderful” and “It Had to Be You,” and full-blown musical coverage, as in the memorable Lady, Be Good! --- Ira used a pseudonym, Arthur Francis, so he wouldn’t detract from his older sibling’s career. When George died at the age of 38, Ira battled with contract clauses and ownership legalities, assisted by his strong-willed wife, Leonore. He took up his writing three years later with acclaim, working with music greats Kurt Weill and Jerome Kern.

Though he had periods of mental and physical exhaustion, along with a litany of ailments that led to the “pharmacological wasteland” of pill popping, Ira never lost his fascination with words and the feelings they could evoke. His memorable “coda” for the famed favorite “Over the Rainbow” was supplied after the composer, Yip Harburg, sought his opinion of the song: “If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?” In later life, Ira decided he needed a self-composed epitaph and came up with a choice bit of amusing irony: “Words Failed Me.”

Owen brings to IRA GERSHWIN a blend of meticulous research and an undisguised admiration for its central character. Ira is envisioned as an artistic genius whose personal fascination with languages, accents and human foibles have brought pleasure to millions over the years and will continue to do so. His honors include a collaborative Pulitzer Prize and in 1988 the establishment of the George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Musical Achievement Award.

Michael Owen’s frank, fact-filled and up-close portrait of Ira Gershwin is a gift --- and an insightful reminder --- for a new generation of music lovers and creators.