Check out this letter from George Gershwin to Dorothy Heyward! It offers us a window into the working relationships between George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, and literary couple Dorothy and DuBose Heyward.

The famous collaboration between the Gershwins and librettist DuBose Heyward resulted in the creation of one of the best known American operas, Porgy and Bess, whose production forged lasting professional and personal relationships between the three men. George, Ira, and DuBose regularly kept in touch, exchanging new lyrics, novel-to-stage adjustments, and production ideas. DuBose’s wife Dorothy Heyward, herself a playwright, was also a part of this circle and frequently consulted throughout Porgy’s journey from novel to opera. 

While in New York circa 1936, George wrote a letter to an under-the weather Dorothy, playfully chastising her for being unable to enjoy the “beautiful country butter” he had sent sometime before mailing the letter—and promising to send more. After signing off with “Bestest, George Gershwin,” he concludes with a sketch of a few short measures of “Summertime,” the opening—and, arguably, most recognizable—song of Porgy and Bess.

ONE THIRTY-TWO EAST SEVENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK

Dear Dorothy,

Just heard that you were not feeling well. Hope it is nothing more than a good case of spring fever.

I’ll bet you never got to taste that beautiful country butter I sent. Get well quickly and I [sic] send you some more.

Bestest,
George Gershwin

(A little music helps sometimes)

Read more about Dorothy’s presence in the Gershwins’ world here in our biography of DuBose Heyward, author of Porgy and librettist for Porgy and Bess.

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress Music Division. Many thanks to archivist Ray White.
Frances Sobolak is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing a Linguistics major and Music minor. She joined the Gershwin Initiative team in the fall of her sophomore year through the university’s undergraduate research opportunity program.