The story of "Summertime" begins in the early 1930s, when Gershwin was working on his opera "Porgy and Bess." The opera is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and Gershwin wanted to capture the essence of the city's culture and music. He spent time in Charleston, where he recorded traditional folk songs and spirituals. He also studied the music of the Gullah people, who were descendants of enslaved Africans who had been brought to the United States.
Gershwin was particularly inspired by a lullaby he heard sung by a Gullah woman. He adapted the melody and lyrics into a new song, which he called "Summertime." The song became one of the most popular and enduring songs from "Porgy and Bess." It has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis.
"Summertime" is a slow and bluesy song that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics describe the beauty of a summer day and the joy of spending time with loved ones. The song has a universal appeal that transcends time and culture, and it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.