Bert’s love for Gershwin music knows no bounds!
Canberra resident Bert Whelan recently made an extraordinary donation to the ANU School of Music after amassing an impressive collection of George Gershwin’s music and memorabilia over 70 years. His journey into the world of Gershwin’s music began when he was just 12 years old, listening to Melbourne’s 3AW radio station, where Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue captured his heart and soul, becoming a lifelong passion for him.
Born in New York in 1898, George Gershwin was a musical genius who started his career as a song-plugger on Tin Pan Alley and quickly transitioned into composing his own pieces. Tragically, he passed away in Los Angeles at the young age of 38 in 1937. Whelan’s collection of Gershwin’s sheet music started to grow, prompting him to reach out to George’s brother, Ira Gershwin, in Los Angeles. Ira graciously facilitated Whelan’s access to missing sheet music from the Library of Congress in Washington DC, fostering a deep connection between the two music enthusiasts.
Whelan’s dedication to collecting Gershwin’s sheet music led him to save pieces from Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne and JC Williamson’s music collection in Sydney, where he painstakingly copied out missing Gershwin songs by hand. His donation to the ANU School of Music includes not only every published song by George Gershwin but also 50 unpublished songs, essential correspondence with Ira Gershwin and renowned discographer Michael Feinstein, recordings of Gershwin’s music, and an extensive collection of Gershwin memorabilia.
Throughout his career in the recorded music industry, Whelan worked for various record companies, including Allan’s and EMI, before retiring in Canberra in 2000. He has since shared his deep music knowledge and vast collection with the local community radio station, Artsound FM, hosting programs like The Gershwin Collection, Light Orchestral Hour, and Music from the Movies. Even at 90 years old, Whelan remains an active contributor to the station, offering recorded music and program ideas.
Adrian Walter, the Head of the ANU School of Music, commended Whelan’s passion for Gershwin and the invaluable contribution of his collection to the school. He emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of such influential musicians like Gershwin for future generations. When asked about his favorite Gershwin tune, Whelan quickly singled out “Feeling Sentimental,” a lesser-known piece cut from the 1929 musical, Showgirl, before its Broadway debut.
In conclusion, Bert Whelan’s lifelong dedication to collecting George Gershwin’s music and memorabilia has not only enriched his own life but also benefitted the wider music community. His generous donation to the ANU School of Music ensures that Gershwin’s timeless music and legacy will be preserved and celebrated for years to come.