Introduction:
Many people have never heard of Frances Gershwin Godowsky, but she was an important figure in American music. She was the sister of the famous composer George Gershwin, and she made significant contributions to his career. But Frances was more than just George’s sister. She was also an accomplished musician and performer in her own right, and she left behind a hidden fortune that is only now coming to light. In this blog post, we will explore the untold wealth of Frances Gershwin Godowsky and discuss what her net worth is today.
Section 1: Who was Frances Gershwin Godowsky?
Frances Gershwin Godowsky was born in 1906 in New York City, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants. She was the younger sister of George Gershwin and the older sister of Ira Gershwin, both of whom would go on to become famous musicians and composers. Frances showed an early talent for music and studied piano with some of the best teachers in New York. She later became a performer and accompanist, playing concerts with her brother George.
Section 2: Frances and George’s Collaboration
Frances Gershwin Godowsky played a crucial role in her brother’s career. She often served as his accompanist and arranged some of his most famous pieces, including “Rhapsody in Blue.” She was the inspiration for the character of Clara in the opera “Porgy and Bess” and was instrumental in promoting the show. Frances also worked with other famous musicians of her time, including Jascha Heifetz and Fritz Kreisler.
Section 3: Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s Personal Life
Frances Gershwin Godowsky was married twice, first to Edward K. Ellington and later to Leopold Godowsky Jr. She had two children with Ellington and three with Godowsky. She and Godowsky were both accomplished musicians, and they often collaborated on musical projects. Frances passed away in 1999 at the age of 93.
Section 4: The Untold Wealth of Frances Gershwin Godowsky
Frances Gershwin Godowsky was a shrewd investor who amassed a significant fortune over her lifetime. She inherited a large sum of money from her father after his death and invested it in stocks, real estate, and other investments. She was also an astute businesswoman who registered trademarks for many of her brother’s songs and licensed them for use in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Section 5: What is Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s Net Worth Today?
Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s net worth is difficult to estimate because much of her wealth was held in private investments. However, it is estimated that her estate was worth over $50 million when she passed away in 1999. Her assets included real estate holdings in New York City and Florida, as well as investments in blue-chip stocks and other assets.
Section 6: Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s Legacy
Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s legacy extends beyond her wealth and business acumen. She was an accomplished musician and performer who helped shape the careers of her brothers and other famous musicians of her time. She was also a philanthropist who supported many charitable causes throughout her life, including the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association.
Section 7: FAQs
Q1. How did Frances Gershwin Godowsky make her fortune?
A1. Frances Gershwin Godowsky inherited a significant sum of money from her father after his death and invested it in stocks, real estate, and other assets. She was also a savvy businesswoman who licensed her brother’s songs for commercial use and other projects.
Q2. Did Frances Gershwin Godowsky have any children?
A2. Yes, Frances Gershwin Godowsky had five children, two with her first husband and three with her second husband.
Q3. What was Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s relationship with her brother George?
A3. Frances Gershwin Godowsky was very close to her brother George and played a significant role in supporting his career. She often served as his accompanist and arranged some of his most famous pieces.
Q4. What kind of investments did Frances Gershwin Godowsky make?
A4. Frances Gershwin Godowsky invested in blue-chip stocks, real estate, and other assets.
Q5. What was Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s net worth when she passed away?
A5. Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s net worth is difficult to estimate because much of her wealth was held in private investments. However, it is believed that her estate was worth over $50 million.
Q6. What did Frances Gershwin Godowsky do for a living?
A6. Frances Gershwin Godowsky was a musician and performer who often accompanied her brother George. She was also a businesswoman who licensed her brother’s songs and invested in various assets.
Q7. What was Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s philanthropic work?
A7. Frances Gershwin Godowsky supported many charitable causes throughout her lifetime, including the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association.
Section 8: Conclusion
Frances Gershwin Godowsky was a remarkable woman who played an important role in American music and left behind a vast fortune that is only now coming to light. Her business acumen and investment savvy helped her build a significant portfolio of assets, and her legacy as a musician and performer lives on to this day. We can all learn from Frances Gershwin Godowsky’s life and legacy, and remember her as a true American pioneer.