RHAPSODY: Six Questions for Mitchell James Kaplan [INTERVIEW]

Few musicians left as indelible a mark on the great American songbook as George Gershwin. But it was his epic masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue, that made him an icon. From the first moment audiences heard the score’s opening wail, it was clear there were few musicians as adventurous or brilliant as Gershwin. Yet as with every artist, there is much more to his story than just his music. Now novelist Mitchell James Kaplan pulls back the curtain on the famed pianist’s fabled career in the forthcoming novel, Rhapsody, a book that is both vividly written and utterly compelling, and truly worthy of becoming our first Diamond Reviewed title for 2021. It shines a light not only on Gershwin’s discography, but also on his decade-long romance with another pianist, Kay Swift. We loved the book so much we couldn’t wait to sit down with Mitchell James Kaplan for this exclusive interview. Enjoy! —J&H