Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why is “I Got Rhythm” important in jazz improvisation?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
George Gershwin
American composer George Gershwin working on the score for Porgy and Bess, 1935.
The song "I Got Rhythm," composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by his brother Ira Gershwin, holds a foundational place in jazz history. Its importance lies primarily in its structure: the song's 32-bar harmonic progression has become the second-most frequently used chord sequence in jazz improvisation, surpassed only by the traditional 12-bar blues.1
By providing a versatile and recognizable framework, the progression—often referred to as "rhythm changes"—has served as a vital vehicle for musicians to explore complex melodic lines and improvisational techniques.12