What constitutes the “Great American Songbook”? We will begin with popular music from the theaters, music publishers, and jazz clubs of New York City from 1920 to 1960, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. This music has stood the test of time. It continues to nourish American popular music, as in the collaboration between Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. We will hear original performances and also adaptations made by later singers and jazz musicians.