Rhapsody in Blue - in Popular Culture

In Popular Culture

Although Gershwin himself spoke of the rhapsody as "a musical kaleidoscope of America", Rhapsody in Blue has often been interpreted as a musical portrait of New York City; it is used to this effect in the films Manhattan and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, as well as extensively in this context in a segment from the film Fantasia 2000, in which the piece is used as the lyrical framing for a stylized animation set drawn in the style of famed illustrator Al Hirschfeld, to critical acclaim.

Brian Wilson has said on multiple occasions that "Rhapsody in Blue" is one of his favorite pieces. It was also a heavy influence on his Smile album. Michael Stipe of REM has cited this as one of the largest influences in his musical development.

Gordon Goodwin has arranged "Rhapsody in Blue" for big band, winning the 2012 Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement.

In the Broadway version of the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie", set in 1920's New York, George Gershwin and his wife make a cameo appearance, with George finding inspiration for "Rhapsody in Blue" in a dress.

Rhapsody in Blue has been used by United States-based air carrier United Airlines in their advertisements since the mid-1980s. In more recent advertisements, the instruments used reflect the theme, including a version played by traditionally Asian instruments in conjunction with publicizing the carrier's major presence in trans-Pacific travel.

Rhapsody in Blue has also been used in connection with various IBM products, including the PCjr.

Rhapsody in Blue was played simultaneously by eighty-four pianists at the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Ilia Kulik of Russia used the adaptation from Rhapsody in Blue in his free skate program in 1998, eventually winning a gold medal in figure skating in 1998 Winter Olympics.

The title theme from the animated TV series The Critic is a tribute to Rhapsody in Blue, the show being based in New York City.

The piece was performed by Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang at the 50th Grammy Awards on February 10, 2008.

A melodica version of the piece was performed in the manga, the Japanese television drama and the anime, Nodame Cantabile. A short version of the piece was also used as the ending theme tune in the drama.

The central theme of Rhapsody in Blue is used as a riff in The Electric Light Orchestra's "Birmingham Blues" off their 1977 hit album Out of the Blue.

The main theme is also used during the opening saxophone solo in the Sublime song "What Happened" from their 1992 album 40oz. to Freedom.

Pop artist Ben Folds frequently inserts interpolations of the theme from Rhapsody in Blue during the outro of his song "Philosophy," notably during the live recorded performance of Ben Folds Five for Sessions at West 54th.

AC/DC has a song in the Australian version of their 1977 album Let There Be Rock, the title of which parodies Rhapsody in Blue, called "Crabsody in Blue." Possibly because of this fact, the song was replaced with "Problem Child" in the American version.

Themes from Rhapsody in Blue appear in the Phish song "Bathtub Gin," from the album Lawn Boy.

The BBC revival of Doctor Who uses Rhapsody in Blue as part of its musical score in the third series episode "Daleks in Manhattan". A variation of the piece was also used in the special Christmas episode "The Runaway Bride."

It can be found in the Nintendo Wii Game Little King's Story throughout the entire Primetime Kingdom, including the fight with King TV Dinnah.

The TV show Glee used it in the opening scene of the season two finale titled "New York."

Galaxy chocolate used the theme during their UK TV advertising campaign of the late '80s/early '90s.