Michael Feinstein developed a passion for the history of classic American popular song as a youth when he began collecting old sheet music and records. His interest led to a meeting with the widow of Oscar Levant which, in turn, led to a job with Ira Gershwin cataloguing his collection of private recordings. Over the six years that they worked together, Gershwin became friend and mentor to the young man. The result is an insightful look at the lyricist as well as an appreciation of other songwriters such as Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Sammy Cahn, Irving Berlin and many others. The book is chock full of anecdotes, song analyses, stories behind the songs, and personal reflections.

Michael Feinstein is a singer, pianist, musical historian and archivist of classic American popular song. He is a member of the National Sound Recording Advisory Board and owner of Feinstein’s at the Regency, a Manhattan club featuring cabaret performers. He has recorded several CD’s and filmed a series on the history of American popular song for TV.