-Above: Johnny Mercer (left) with Walt Disney-
My grandfather’s first cousin was singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer! Johnny founded Capitol Records in 1942 and collaberated with greats like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Jo Stafford, Duke Ellington, and others.
The estimated 1,100 songs Johnny penned include Fly Me to the Moon, Moon River, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Midnight Sun, That Old Black Magic, Come Rain or Come Shine, and others.
My grandparents knew Mercer and his wife and even spent their honeymoon at his home in Savannah, GA. He wrote scores and themes to many movies and musicals, including What Women Want, Cleopatra, and Oklohoma.
Mercer was a veteran of music, considered a lyrical genius, and certainly someone I look up to in showbiz. I have a tribute routine I perform to his music and even listen to his work in my free time. His music has a timeless, creative, and upbeat feel and his inflection is unmatched. I recently bought the “My Huckleberry Friend” album and am enjoying it a lot!
No wonder you’re so talented! It’s in your genes. I know you make him proud.