From street kid to Wunderkind -- Falling in love with Kay -- A piano concerto -- Ira takes a wife -- Porgy -- Paris -- "That long drip of human tears" -- The losing streak begins -- "Something big" -- "Don't make it too good, George!" -- Kay, Jimmy, and FDR -- The heart of American music -- Kay's divorce -- Todd Duncan -- Casting, rehearsals, and an omen -- The critics have their say -- Limbo -- Hollywood beckons -- Pleasure Island -- Final concert, final affair -- Last songs -- Epilogue.