In the introduction to his 1932 work 'George Gershwin's Songbook,' the composer wrote the following:
"To play American popular music most effectively one must guard against the natural tendency to make too frequent use of the sustaining pedal. Our study of the great romantic composers has trained us in the method of the legato, whereas our popular music asks for staccato effects, for almost a stencilled style. The rhythms of American popular music are more or less brittle; they should be made to snap, and at times to cackle. The more sharply the music is played, the more effective it sounds. Most pianists with a classical training fail lamentably in the playing of our ragtime or jazz because they use the pedalling of Chopin when interpreting the blues of Handy. The romantic touch is very good in a sentimental ballad, but in a tune of strict rhythm it is somewhat out of place."
Enjoy this follow-along video of the fifth song from George Gershwin's Songbook, 'Fascinating Rhythm' :)