[Girl Crazy] Gershwin, Ira. (1896–1983)

"But Not for Me" – Signed Lyrics Sheet

Typed lyric sheet of "But Not for Me", the popular song originally written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the musical Girl Crazy (1930), sung by Ginger Rogers. Signed "Ira Gershwin" in ink along the lower margin.  Mild spotting, else in fine condition.  8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).

Judy Garland later sang “But Not for Me” in the 1943 film adaptation of Girl Crazy and Ella Fitzgerald famously recorded a cover of this song for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Songbook, her rendition winning the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.

Together with his brother, the great American lyricist Ira Gershwin wrote more than a dozen Broadway shows, featuring songs such as "I Got Rhythm", "Embraceable You", "The Man I Love" and "Someone to Watch Over Me".  He was also responsible, along with DuBose Heyward, for the libretto to George's opera Porgy and Bess.  The success the Gershwin brothers had with their collaborative works has often overshadowed the creative role that Ira played. His mastery of songwriting continued, however, after the early death of George. He wrote additional hit songs with composers Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, Harry Warren and Harold Arlen. His critically acclaimed 1959 book Lyrics on Several Occasions, an amalgam of autobiography and annotated anthology, is an important source for studying the art of the lyricist in the golden age of American popular song.

(20757)


Song
Autograph Document
Signed Document/Item