GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN GEORGE GERSHWIN (1898-1937) American composer and songwriter in collaboration with his brother Ira, his works include "Porgy and Bess ", "Rhapsody in Blue ", and "An American in Paris ". Superb, ironic, very late typed D.S. signed by GEORGE and IRA GERSHWIN , 2pp. 4to., New York, July 1, 1937, a typed letter to the Gershwin brothers from Samuel Goldwyn, granting the brothers' unpaid leave during George's illness. In part: "...Because of illness, Mr. George Gershwin is now temporarily unable to render services pursuant to your contract with us dated Dec. 3, 1936. You are willing to cooperate with us so that during a period of two weeks which, it is estimated, is the length of time before Mr. Gershwin will be fully recovered, we shall be relieved of any obligation to compensate you and you shall be relieved of any obligation to render services to us...We hereby grant you a leave of absence... ". Boldly signed by both at conclusion. In early 1937, George began to suffer from headaches and dizziness while working on The Goldwyn Follies, and his symptoms progress until he could no longer work. On July 9, he collapsed and lapsed into a coma which was finally diagnosed as the result of a brain tumor. Despite the intervention of top brain surgeons, George died two days later on July 11, 1937, just ten days after this contract, and never completing the score for the film. File holes at top as well as a minor rusted paperclip impression, but overall very good to near fine, and certainly a superb example, and likely one of the last of such documents George signed. $3,500-4,500