ABOUT

JOHNNY MERCER

Born in Savannah, Georgia, November 18, 1909. Johnny wrote his first song at the age of fifteen, but at that tender age decided that his future was on the stage He tried out for the "Garrick Gaieties" in 1930 and although not engaged as an actor, a song he wrote caught the attention of the producer, who gave it to Sterling Holloway to sing in the show. His song, "Out Of Breath And Scared To Death Of You," proved to be the big hit of the show. Later he joined Paul Whiteman's orchestra as a singer and many of Johnny's tunes were introduced by this famous maestro.

He has written both words and music of many songs and has also collaborated with the outstanding composers of the country. In 1931 he married Ginger Meehan and they have a daughter, Amanda. They live in a bungalow on a quiet Hollywood street where Johnny creates his songs. He is also a talented painter and makes this hobby one of his pastimes. Johnny Mercer is known as the songwriter with a talent for turning current colloquialisms into hit tunes. His songs have an amazing range and variety; they run the popular gamut all the way from "Strip Polka" to "Skylark". He has written the scores for many outstanding pictures and has won the approbation of both the public and his fellow writers. We are proud to present this folio which includes some of Johnny Mercer's most popular song, successes.