Date of Birth: November 18, 1909
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: June 25, 1976
Biography
Johnny Mercer, born John Herndon Mercer, was an iconic American lyricist, songwriter, and singer who made an indelible impact on the music industry. Born on November 18, 1909, in Savannah, Georgia, Mercer went on to become one of the most prolific songwriters of his time. He co-founded Capitol Records in 1942, which became one of the most successful record labels in the world. Mercer’s career spanned over five decades, during which he wrote lyrics for over 1,500 songs, including timeless classics like “Moon River,” “Autumn Leaves,” and “Hooray for Hollywood.” His work earned him four Academy Awards and a legacy as one of the greatest contributors to the Great American Songbook. Mercer passed away on June 25, 1976, leaving behind a rich musical heritage.
5 Interesting Facts about Johnny Mercer
1. Johnny Mercer co-founded Capitol Records, revolutionizing the music industry.
2. He wrote lyrics for over 1,500 songs throughout his career.
3. Mercer won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
4. He was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.
5. Mercer had a natural talent for capturing the American vernacular in his lyrics, making his songs relatable and timeless.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johnny Mercer
1. “I’m a singer, not a crooner.”
2. “I never tried to make a hit. I always wanted to write a good song.”
3. “It’s a marvelous feeling when someone you wrote a song for tells you it has meant something in their life.”
4. “I find a lot of joy and happiness in my work.”
5. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Johnny Mercer’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a substantial amount for the era.
Children
Johnny Mercer had two children with his wife, Ginger Meehan. They were Amanda Mercer and John Jefferson “Jeff” Mercer.
Relevant Links
1. [Johnny Mercer on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Mercer
2. [Johnny Mercer at the Songwriters Hall of Fame](https://www.songhall.org/profile/Johnny_Mercer
3. [Johnny Mercer Biography on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580437/bio
4. [Capitol Records History](https://www.capitolrecords.com/history/
5. [Johnny Mercer on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/johnny-mercer-mn0000200540
