Oscar Levant, his first time in Hollywood in 1928, met and befriended George Gershwin. This was surely a dream come true for Levant who worshiped Gershwin's work since he first heard it in his teens. Levant came to be known as the man who understood Gershwin best (outside of, perhaps, his brother Ira) and more importantly came to be known as the best interpreter on the piano of Gershwin's compositions (particularly after Gershwin's tragic, early passing).
Rhapsody in Blue was George Gershwin's first major composition that wasn't one of his and Ira's songs or musicals. The orchestral work was written on commission for Paul Whiteman. The first recording of Rhapsody in Blue occurred in 1924 with another, of better and fuller quality, in 1927 both featuring Gershwin on piano.
Here is the discography surrounding George Gershwin's debut album:
Rhapsody in Blue
Rhapsody in Blue (1927 recording)
"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin
Pass the Headphones!!
