Last Updated on July 30, 2019
Today in History–September 2–the Library of Congress features George Gershwin, who completed the orchestral score of the opera—Porgy and Bess—based on the DuBose Heyward novel on this date in 1935. The opera, like the novel, depicted the African-American Gullah culture of South Carolina. Learn more about this remarkable man and his collaborators on the internationally known opera by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below.
Porgy and Bess: American Treasure (online exhibition item)
Porgy and Bess condensed score
Porgy, a play (curator video note)
George Gershwin: A Sketch for Porgy and Bess (.pdf)
Scene from “Porgy and Bess,” 1935-1936 Theater Guild production
Porgy and Bess historical newspaper coverage
Leontyne Price of Porgy and Bess portraits
George Gershwin historical newspaper coverage
Gershwin: Prelude – E flat minor
Gullah historical newspaper coverage
Gullah stories & personal narratives
McIntosh County Shouters: Gullah-Geechee Ring Shout from Georgia (streaming webcast)
Growing Up Gullah (streaming webcast)
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (H.R.4683, 2003-2004)
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (H.R.694, 2005-2006)
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