Mercer, Johnny, 1909-1976
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1909 - 1976
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
Gene Lees papers
Collection
Identifier: M060
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Gene Lees and Johnny Mercer, Mercer family biographical information, page proofs of Portrait of Johnny, as well as an unpublished manuscript entitled Song Lake Summer.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...
Dates:
1808-2004; Majority of material found within 1990 - 2004
Found in:
Special Collections
Johnny Mercer papers
Collection
Identifier: M001
Abstract:
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 decades. The Johnny Mercer papers consist of biographical materials (including an unpublished autobiography), correspondence, drafts...
Dates:
1885-1981
Found in:
Special Collections
Sadie Vimmerstedt papers
Collection
Identifier: M065
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.
Dates:
1959-circa 1970
Found in:
Special Collections