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(More customer reviews)This updated, paperback version of Johnny Mercer: The Life, Times and Song Lyrics contains many newly released photographs as well as stories written and illustrated by Mercer and some of his childhood friends. In addition, the lists of Mercer's songs (including songs he contributed to the movies) have been reviewed, updated, and expanded. Other new sections in this book list the songs Mercer wrote for theatrical productions and the songs he wrote that are currently available on compact discs. The volume of both of these is well worth the purchase price alone. It is amazing what influence Johnny Mercer had on America through his music and how that influence is still alive and well (and being used!) today.
This newly re-published collection of pictures, lyrics, and memorabilia was released just in time to commemorate Mercer's 100th birthday November 18, 2009. This book covers Mercer's life from his Savannah childhood through his Hollywood days. It documents the birth of the Capitol Records label and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, both of which Mercer co-founded. It takes stock of Mercer's personal highs (like winning four Academy Awards) and his lows (including several Broadway shows that actually failed).
There are SO many familiar songs: "Hooray for Hollywood," "Moon River," "I'm an Old Cowhand (from the Rio Grande)," "Accentuate the Positive," and "It's a Woman's Prerogative" just to name a few. The actual song lyrics and jacket covers are reprinted next to interesting behind-the-scenes facts and photos about the songs as well as Christmas cards, letters, and an interview with Mercer.
Not only a great reference guide, but a really interesting peek into Mercer's life and Hollywood from the 1930s-1970s. Just a few of the people that Johnny was associated with: Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Debbie Reynolds, Walt Disney, Louis Armstrong, Jo Stafford, Benny Goodman, Phil Silvers, Bing Crosby, Satchmo, Pearl Bailey, Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Lionel Hampton, Judy Garland, Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, Betty Hutton, and Fred Astaire. Stories and pictures can be found in this terrific book.
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