This two-CD collection is a compilation of Gershwin's orchestral works performed by the Cincinnati Pops under the baton of Erich Kunzel. It was recorded by Telarc over a sixteen-year period, beginning in 1981 with the recording of An American in Paris and ending with " O Land of Mine, America" recorded in 1997.

Erich Kunzel worked in cooperation with the Music Division of The Library of Congress to find the never-before-recorded "O Land of Mine, America," a work for chorus and orchestra written in 1919 as an entry in a magazine contest. The New York American offered a prize of $5,000 to the winning composer of an American anthem. Gershwin's entry (with lyrics by Michael E. Rourke of England) won honorable mention and a prize of $50.00.

The other previously unrecorded piece, Mexican Dance, is based on the song "Tamale (I'm Hot for You), " written in 1921. It was retitled by Gershwin when it was transcribed by Broadway orchestrator Frank Sadler.

The collection also includes the original Paul Whiteman version of Rhapsody in Blue.