An Evening with Johnny Mercer

February 18, 2011

Johnny Mercer, who? One of America's great lyricists who composed a few songs you might have heard. An evening at the Quality Hill Playhouse in Kansas City, sparked my interest in this grand lyricist. So of course, I went straight to the computer and hit the MCPL Databases. Then, I placed some great movies, books, and sound recording from this gifted man on hold. Mercer wrote the lyrics to Moon River. Did you know that? I didn't, I always think of Henry Mancini, not Johnny Mercer. Blues in the Night, is said to be one of the greatest songs ever written. I would suggest clicking onto our Electronic Resources and listening to Rosemary Clooney sings the Lyrics of Johnny Mercer or The Dreams of Johnny Mercer. (Let's just say I may be mellowing with age. Maybe?)  Search the MCPL Catalog by Author, and you will have some terrific choices. Here's just a few: Daddy Long Legs, Days of Wine and Roses, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Thanks to J. Kent Barnhart for an entertainment evening and introducing me to a guy named, Johnny Mercer.

Jean T.
North Independence Branch