The Gershwin family has given Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson access to rare, unfinished pieces of the music of George Gershwin, to be completed for his next album.
Wilson has signed to Walt Disney Records for his new two albums an the first release will be an album of covers of classics from American songwriters like George and Ira Gershwin.“I've always loved George Gershwin. The earliest music I remember hearing is 'Rhapsody in Blue,'” says Wilson ina statement. “Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on.”
Said Todd Gershwin (George Gershwin estate) and Michael Owen (Ira Gershwin estate): “The Gershwin families are delighted that the legendary musician Brian Wilson has chosen to record a collection of George and Ira Gershwin songs for his next project. In every generation, American music has been pushed forward by visionaries, from the Gershwin brothers to Brian Wilson. This latest interpretation will be a new opportunity to discover the magic of Gershwin music."
Wilson considers song such as the Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Summertime” to be American classics.
The second Wilson album on the Walk Disney label will be covers of great Disney songs.
Both albums will be released in 2010.
