5 Things to Know About George Gershwin’s Summer on Folly Island in the Summer of 1934

90 years ago this month, George Gershwin arrived in Charleston and spent a summer on Folly Island to gain inspiration for his adaptation of DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy” which would become the acclaimed “Porgy and Bess”. Here are five things to know about his time in the Lowcountry and some related articles:

1. The author DuBose Heyward, whose novel “Porgy” Gershwin was adapting into an opera, insisted that Gershwin visit the area to immerse himself in the local Gullah culture that inspired the book’s setting and characters.

2. Heyward arranged for Gershwin to rent a cottage on Folly Island, which at the time was a remote and undeveloped barrier island, providing an ideal retreat for Gershwin to escape distractions and focus on composing the opera.

3. Being on Folly Island allowed Gershwin to experience the Gullah traditions firsthand by attending church services and cultural events on nearby James Island, studying the spirituals, rhythms, and “shouting” dance rituals that influenced the music of “Porgy and Bess”.

4. The laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty of Folly Island, which Gershwin described as a “battered South Seas Island”, provided the creative inspiration he needed, leading to the iconic song “Summertime” being composed there.

5. Heyward believed that Gershwin’s firsthand exposure to the Gullah culture was crucial for capturing its essence in the opera, making Folly Island the ideal setting for this formative experience.

Related Articles 

Summertime for George Gershwin – Smithsonian Magazine 

Rhapsody at Folly: George Gershwin’s 1934 Folly Beach Vacation 

 Gershwin on Folly: Summertime and the livin’ was easy – Folly Beach 

Gershwin at Folly Background Information – Julian Wiles