Remembering George Gershwin

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published July 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM EDT

George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937)

The loss of this icon of American music—who died on July 11, 1937 at the age of 38—is still keenly felt.

As we remember the legendary George Gershwin upon the anniversary of his all-too-early death from a brain tumor in 1937, we take you back to several memorial broadcasts from the time that show how the shocked nation grieved the death of this beloved musician:

(For further details open links in YouTube.)

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

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