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Gene Lees and Johnny Mercer, Mercer family biographical information, page proofs of Portrait of Johnny, as well as an unpublished manuscript entitled Song Lake Summer.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:

This collection consists of one folder of correspondence and greeting cards from the files of Hugh Mercer, Jr., son of Johnny Mercer’s half-brother.

Abstract:

The Johnny and Ginger Mercer Papers contain manuscripts, photographs, sheet music, recordings, printed materials, and memorabilia documenting the early careers (1920s through about 1931) of both Johnny and Ginger Mercer; their courtship and marriage (1930 and 1931); and Johnny Mercer's career as a songwriter, performer, and businessman as it continued after their marriage; Johnny Mercer's work as a lyricist.

Abstract: Leonora Gidlund conducted extensive research on resources relating to the life and career of Johnny Mercer while pursuing an M.A. degree in History at Georgia State University, resulting in a thesis in 1984. Her papers consist of correspondence with educational institutions, archives, historical societies, book dealers, radio stations and private collectors holding research materials relating to Johnny Mercer, and include a number of copies of original materials (including draft lyrics and...

Abstract: A Savannah, Georgia businessman, Nick Mamalakis was associated with lyricist Johnny Mercer's family and its businesses from 1930, and was the primary advocate of plans to bring the papers of Johnny Mercer to the archives at Georgia State University. His papers include articles, newsclippings, correspondence and printed material relating to Johnny Mercer and to the acquisition of the Johnny Mercer Papers by Georgia State University, and brief manuscript by Nick Mamalakis describing the events...

Abstract:

The Ober family lived near Johnny Mercer and his family on Lido Isle (Newport Beach, California) in the 1950s and 1960s. The two families became close friends. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, and other printed and manuscript materials, documenting the long relationship between the families, as well as collected material relating to Johnny Mercer, 1976-2000.

Abstract:

Richard A. Whiting was a prominent music composer for Hollywood and Broadway productions from the 1920s-1930s. The Richard A. Whiting Collection, 1896-2006, contains files related to Whiting's life and career as a musical composer including correspondence, photographs, periodicals and sheet music.

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: Vern Hansen (born March 17, 1918) worked as a musician and radio promotion specialist in Iowa, and moved to California in the 1960s. A songwriter and author, he corresponded with lyricist Johnny Mercer and singer Bing Crosby about his work and his efforts to succeed in the entertainment industry. His papers, 1934-1939, 1951-1984, 1990-2009, include correspondence, creative works, legal documents, and printed material. In addition to his correspondence with Mercer, much of the material...