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Evolution Of A Song: 'I Got Rhythm'

Judy Garland (right) sang "I Got Rhythm" in the 1943 movie version of the 1930s musical Girl Crazy. Courtesy of MGM hide caption

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Courtesy of MGM

A Blog Supreme

Evolution Of A Song: 'I Got Rhythm'

WBGO

When George Gershwin wrote "I Got Rhythm" for the 1930s musical Girl Crazy, he created one of the most catchy melodies in American history. But little did he know that his lovable song — apart from becoming a hugely popular jazz standard — would evolve into something far greater.

Sidney Bechet, 'Soprano Sax King'

Sidney Bechet, early 1950s. Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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Hulton Archive/Getty Images

NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'

Sidney Bechet, 'Soprano Sax King'

When Sidney Bechet played, the walls trembled, the pulse accelerated and the heart skipped a beat. His music was passion and energy transformed into musical notes.

Sidney Bechet, 'Soprano Sax King'

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Basic Jazz Record Library

Sidney Bechet: 'The Sidney Bechet Story'

In the 1920s, Sidney Bechet developed a distinctive, vibrato style on soprano saxophone that won him wide acclaim. His career lagged until 1949, when he went to a jazz festival in Paris and became an overnight sensation. His skilled improvisation is highlighted in this box set, which covers 1923 to 1950.

Sidney Bechet: 'The Sidney Bechet Story'

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