Summertime© is an aria composed in 1934 by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, author of the novel Porgy, on which Porgy and Bess was based, although the song is co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP.
Porgy and Bess was first performed in Boston on September 30, 1935, before it moved to Broadway. It featured a cast of classically trained African-American singers—a daring artistic choice at the time. After an initially unpopular public reception, a 1976 Houston Grand Opera production gained Porgy and Bess new renown, and it is now one of the most frequently performed operas.
A much-recorded jazz standard, Summertime is widely acknowledged as one of the finest songs Gershwin ever wrote. The aria’s highly evocative composition brilliantly mixes elements of jazz and the song styles of blacks in the southeast United States from the early 20th century.
When I hear Summertime, I’m reminded of another great work of musical art, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
HUSH LITTLE BABY…
Summertime,
And the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’
And the cotton is high
Your daddy’s rich
And your mamma’s good lookin’
So hush little baby
Don’t you cry
One of these mornings
You’re going to rise up singing
Then you’ll spread your wings
And you’ll take to the sky
But till that morning
There’s a’nothing can harm you
With daddy and mamma standing by
Summertime,
And the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’
And the cotton is high
Your daddy’s rich
And your mamma’s good lookin’
So hush little baby
Don’t you cry
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ira Gershwin / George Gershwin / Dubose Heyward
Summertime lyrics © Nokawi Music
TWO DIFFERENT SUMMERTIME EXPERIENCES
The first performance is by the extraordinary blues singer Janis Joplin, whose tobacco and whiskey voice just breaks your heart.
The beautiful and elegant opera superstar Kathleen Battle gives an unforgettable, soul-embracing interpretation of Summertime.
For another POV about summer, from a different place and time, I know you’ll enjoy going Up on the Roof.
With thanks to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.
Hi Amy,
A great reintroduction to this beautiful Aria. Two diverse and extraordinarily talented singers performing.
Thanks for adding this.
N
Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you are enjoying the two versions of Summertime. Each is very different from the other, but equally beautiful and compelling.
Hi Amy!
Thanks for posting this great Gershwin classic! Not a fan of Joplin, but loved Kathleen Battle’s version.
Yes, Kathleen Battle is extraordinary. I’m so happy you enjoyed this!!!