Ira [Gershwin] was the shyest, most diffident boy we had ever known. In a class of lower east side rapscallions, his soft-spoken gentleness and low-keyed personality made him a lovable incongruity. He spoke in murmurs, hiding behind a pair of steel-rimmed glasses..Ira had a kid brother who wore high stiff collars, shirts with cuffs and went out with girls.

Once I built a railroad; now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime?

There ought to be a law against necessity.

Music gives 'wings' to words.

For what we are about to receive, Oh Lord 'tis Thee we thank,' said the cannibal as he cut a slice off the missionary's shank.

Ding-dong, the wicked witch is dead.

All the heroes of tomorrow are the heretics of today.