Speeches and articles by Mercer, circa 1942-1962; undated

Series I contains biographical information about Mercer, including some data on the history of the Mercer family and scattered information relating to various aspects of Mercer's career. The materials date from 1927 through approximately 1979.

The major document in the series is an unpublished autobiography with accompanying drafts and revisions. It contains a great deal of information on Mercer's childhood and youth, influences on his writing, reminiscences about his careers and collaborators, and reflections on the changes in popular music since the 1950s. Additional biographical information can be found under the headings "Biographies," "Mercer family history," "Woodberry Forest School," and "Memorial tributes and dedications," and among the clippings and reviews filed in Series V. Awards and certificates filed in this series include only those that are not mounted or framed; mounted awards and plaques are listed at the end of this guide under "Materials Filed Separately."

The remainder of Series I consists of somewhat fragmentary information and documents relating to Mercer's career, professional organizations and public appearances, including the "Johnny Mercer's Music Shop" and "Chesterfield Music Shop" radio programs of the 1940s. The folders are arranged alphabetically by topic or type of material.