1/5. New York
In 1919 singer Al Jolson took up a song called Swanee and gave George Gershwin his first million-seller hit. Donald Macleod charts the composer's early successes.
There's a Boat Dat 's Leavin' for New York
(Porgy and Bess) Damon Evans (tenor), LPO, conductor Simon Rattle
Swanee Al Jolson with orchestra
From Now On (La La Lucille) George Gershwin (piano roll)
Lullaby Cleveland Orchestra Strings, conductor Riccardo Chailly
/ Build a Stairway to Paradise
Georges Guetary (singer), MGM Studio Orchestra, conductor Johnny Green
Rhapsody in Blue Louis Lortie (piano), Montreal SO, conductor Charles Dutoit
Hang On to Me; Fascinating Rhythm (Lady Be Good) Lara Teeter , Ann Morrison and John Pizzarelli (singers), ensemble and orchestra conducted by Eric Stern
Producer Johannah Smith Repeated Sunday 12 midnight