Mercer, Johnny, 1909-1976

Abstract: This collection consists of research materials used by Gene Lees when he was writing his Johnny Mercer biography, Portrait of Johnny: The life of John Herndon Mercer. The papers include the correspondence files of both Gene Lees and Johnny Mercer, Mercer family biographical information, page proofs of Portrait of Johnny, as well as an unpublished manuscript entitled Song Lake Summer. Other...

Abstract:

The collection consists of three compact discs made from audiotapes and a phonograph record. The recordings (circa 1967) feature Johnny Mercer vocals, accompanied by a piano or small combo, for 19 songs he composed for the unproduced musical "Mike," a musical comedy for the stage based on Mickey Spillane's hard-boiled detective Mike Hammer.

Abstract The Johnny Mercer Oral History Project includes interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues of Johnny and Ginger Mercer. John Herndon Mercer (1909-1976), a native of Savannah, Georgia, began writing songs at the age of fifteen and eventually became one of the foremost figures of 20th century American popular music. His catalog includes many numbers that have become American classics, and his activities as lyricist, composer, performer and businessman span a period of nearly five...

Abstract:

Sadie Vimmerstedt, who was a resident of Youngstown, Ohio, wrote a letter to Johnny Mercer in February of 1957 suggesting that Mercer write a song entitled "When Somebody Breaks Your Heart." Mercer wrote the song, ultimately sharing authorship with her on a 50/50 basis. Mrs. Vimmerstedt's collection includes Mercer's first letter to her, a few Christmas cards from Mercer, and photographs taken at the 1963 Grammy Awards banquet.

Abstract:

Steve Allen (1921-2000) was a well-known author, pianist, comedian, composer, and actor. He was an admirer of Johnny Mercer's lyrics. After Mercer's death, his widow Ginger Mercer and Bill Harbach encouraged Allen to write a song to a title Mercer had created, "Your Wife Is the Love of My Life." This collection consists of a lead sheet and typed lyrics for Allen's "Your Wife Is the Love of My Life."