Rhapsody in St. Louis — A Steinway Signed by Gershwin

We typically focus our posts on the fine pianos we offer—on craftsmanship, tone, and touch. But in this case, the story behind the instrument is too important not to share. This 1936 Steinway & Sons Model A II isn’t just a beautifully restored baby grand—it’s a piano with provenance, personality, and an unforgettable link to George Gershwin himself.

A Remarkable Woman Behind a Remarkable Piano

Pinky Fry in St Petersburg, FL

Virginia “Pinkie” Fry was more than a St. Louis socialite. She was an artist, a musician, and a two-time Olympic diving finalist. She was also a close personal friend of George Gershwin, who affectionately called her “Pinkie” in handwritten letters that spoke of music, friendship, and major milestones.

In one note, he confides his joy at the success of his “new” opera, Porgy and Bess, and encourages Pinkie to come to New York to experience it in person. He sends her the full score “in the hope that you enjoy playing them.”

And when Pinkie gave birth to her daughter Judy on July 7, 1936, Gershwin responded with delight:

“Seven is my lucky number. Even G.G. is seven, seven in the alphabet.”
“To get a baby girl and a baby grand at the same time seems to me to be the height of something…”

Built by Steinway. Voiced by Gershwin. A Gift of Music and Friendship.

The “baby grand” Gershwin referenced was a Steinway & Sons Model A II, finished in rare Fiddleback Maple and completed at the Steinway factory in Queens, New York on June 8, 1936. After final inspection by Theodore Steinway himself—a name synonymous with precision and perfection—the piano was transported to Steinway Hall in Manhattan.

There, George Gershwin personally selected the voicing of the instrument, ensuring it met his own exacting musical standards. He autographed the piano for Pinkie before it was shipped to St. Louis, destined for the Fry family’s modernist home designed by Harris Armstrong, one of Missouri’s most prominent architects.

Just before departing to work with his brother Ira Gershwin and stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the now-legendary 1937 film Shall We Dance, Gershwin wrote to Pinkie once more:

“I’m glad the piano pleased you so much. I was quite sure it would, as it is very beautiful.”

A 1950 article in the St. Petersburg Times would later report what the personal letters only implied: the piano was a gift from George Gershwin, a symbol of his deep affection and enduring friendship.

Do It Again — Restoring a Musical Treasure

Today, this historically significant Steinway has been painstakingly and reverently restored. Every part of the restoration was guided by a desire to preserve the instrument’s history while returning it to full musical form.

The worn action components and strings were replaced using genuine Steinway & Sons parts. The Fiddleback Maple case—a stunning, undulating grain rarely seen—was gently repaired and refinished to bring out its natural depth and beauty.

The piano was completely disassembled. Its iron plate was sandblasted and repainted, its structure meticulously preserved. And throughout the process, special care was taken to protect and preserve Gershwin’s original signature, still visible on the instrument to this day.

After expert regulation, voicing, and tuning, this Steinway is once again ready to perform—with the voice and vitality it had when it first left New York in 1936.

A Rare Link to a Musical Genius

Only three Steinways are confirmed to have been personally owned by George Gershwin—those currently housed at the Library of Congress, the University of Michigan, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

This instrument may be a fourth: selected, voiced, signed, and quite possibly gifted by Gershwin to someone he held dear. That alone makes it one of the most exceptional pianos we’ve ever had the honor to restore and present.

Now, Ready for a New Stage

For the next owner, this piano represents more than tone and touch. It carries the essence of Gershwin’s artistry—his humor, his generosity, and his voice. And while its provenance makes it a museum-worthy piece, it’s also ready to make music again.

The Fry Gershwin Steinway Restored

For those who wish to experience performances without playing, we offer the option to customize this Steinway with a Cloud Player system—a discreet, state-of-the-art solution that allows the piano to stream and perform pre-recorded works with breathtaking realism. It’s the perfect bridge between history and innovation, between tradition and technology.

This is more than a piano. It’s a love letter from one of America’s greatest composers—waiting to be heard again.

Click to see high resolution photos below

Condition:
Excellent - Restored

Available Finishes:
Fiddleback Maple