“George Gershwin” and “Lorne Green” - This Day in History – Feb 12th

Composer, George Gershwin Unveils “Rhapsody in Blue” 

Back in 1924, pianist and composer, George Gershwin debuted his signature song, “Rhapsody in Blue.”  The first performance of this song was held in New York City’s Aeolian Hall and was billed as an, “Experiment In Modern Music,” due to this tune’s “jazz,” reference and seen as musicians as sophisticated in terms of musical compositions. 

According to history.com, "It starts with an outrageous cadenza of the clarinet," wrote Downes of the now-famous two-and-a-half-octave glissando that makes Rhapsody in Blue as instantly recognizable as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. "It has subsidiary phrases, logically growing out of it...often metamorphosed by devices of rhythm and instrumentation." The music critic of the New York Times was in agreement with Whiteman's basic premise: "This is no mere dance-tune set for piano and other instruments," he judged. "This composition shows extraordinary talent, just as it also shows a young composer with aims that go far beyond those of his ilk." 

“Rhapsody would, of course, come to be regarded as one of the most important American musical works of the 20th century. It would also open the door for a whole generation of "serious" composers—from Copland to Brecht—to draw on jazz elements in their own important works.” 

George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” has been celebrated by various artists of today such as Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang.

Actor, Lorne Greene is born

Back in 1915, Ontario, Canada welcomed future Hollywood actor Lorne Greene, star of two successful television series, Bonanza and Battlestar Galactica.  Mr. Greene was well known for his baritone voice that was called, “The Voice of Canada.” 

Mr. Green received his big break in 1959 when he got a small role in the television series, “Wagon Train.” Mr. Greene would later land his big role that would last 14 years on the longest running TV Westerns ever, “Bonanza,” in which he played "Pa"-Ben Cartwright, the father of three sons of the Ponderosa Ranch. Special Note: Mr. Green was an only son and emulated the role of "Pa"-Ben after his father, Daniel Greene.

After this series was cancelled in 1973 but in 1978, he would join the cast of another successful but short-lived sci-fi series, “Battlestar Galactica,” in which he played another father figure as Commander Adama. 

Mr. Greene died at the age of 72 in 1987 but is best remembered for his role on Bonanza.

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-planes-raid-belgian-coast?catId=16