Johnny Mercer

John Herndon Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter, and singer, as well as a record label executive who co-founded Capitol Records with music industry businessmen Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E. Wallichs.

For other people with the same name, see John Mercer (disambiguation).

Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer, c. 1947
Background information
Birth nameJohn Herndon Mercer
Born(1909-11-18)November 18, 1909
Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
DiedJune 25, 1976(1976-06-25) (aged 66)
Hollywood, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)
  • Songwriter
  • lyricist
  • record producer
  • record label owner
Years active1930–1976

He is best known as a Tin Pan Alley lyricist, but he also composed music, and was a popular singer who recorded his own songs as well as songs written by others 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.

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