It Ain't Necessarily So is a bluesy, jazz-inflected song from George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess, first staged in 1935. In the opera it is sung by the character Sportin' Life as he taunts biblical literalism and touts his worldly wiles. The tune was written by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward, and a popular modern edition for jazz ensembles is Victor López's arrangement for Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3) which features lead alto sax and lead trumpet, includes the classic up-tempo interlude, and provides written solos for the alto and trumpet (trumpet up to A, trombone to G). It has been recorded and performed in many versions, from Paul Robeson’s renditions to the 1976 Broadway revival cast album, and today appears in both concert and orchestral arrangements. It showcases Gershwin's blend of opera, Broadway, and bluesy jazz.
