Johnny Mercer

Biography

John Herndon Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter, singer, and record label executive. He co-founded Capitol Records with music industry businessmen Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E. Wallichs. He is best known as a Tin Pan Alley lyricist, but he also composed music and was a popular singer who recorded his own as well as others' songs from the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s. Mercer's songs were among the most successful hits of the time, including "Moon River", "Days of Wine and Roses", "Autumn Leaves", and "Hooray for Hollywood". He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received nineteen Oscar nominations, and won four Best Original Song Oscars.

Known For

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

as Self

The Mike Douglas Show

as Self

Omnibus

as Self

Kraft Music Hall

as Self

The Steve Allen Show

as Self - Guest

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me

as Self (archive footage)

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show

as Self

Old Man Rhythm

as Colonel

To Beat the Band

as Member of the Band

The Rosemary Clooney Show

as Self