Which composers were among the first Broadway songwriters of the 1920s?

The correct answer highlights Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and the Gershwins as pivotal figures in the development of Broadway music during the 1920s. This era was significant for the evolution of the American musical, and these composers contributed tremendously to its growth.

Irving Berlin was known for his wide-ranging influence on popular music, with hits like "White Christmas" and "God Bless America," helping to shape the sound of Broadway. Jerome Kern is celebrated for his sophisticated melodies and for introducing elements of jazz into musical theater, particularly with works like "Show Boat," which was a defining show of the time. The Gershwins, comprising George and Ira Gershwin, infused their compositions with jazz influences as well, creating iconic songs and shows like "Porgy and Bess" and "Crazy for You."

The other options included composers who made significant contributions to musical theater but in different eras or with different styles. For example, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber are known for their work in later decades, with Sondheim revolutionizing the art form in the 1970s and Webber dominating the 1980s and beyond. Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers were influential but their major works came slightly after the 1920