Slim Whitman - I Remember You

"I Remember You": Music written by Victor Schertzinger, lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Published in 1941. American country singer Slim Whitman, known for his yodeling, recorded the song in a fashion very similar to Frank Ifield's 1962 recording. "I Remember You" was released as a 45 in 1966 on Imperial, and a later recording was released in 1980 on Epic/Cleveland International/CBS. It's available as an MP3 from Capitol. There's also a mono archival recording of a live radio broadcast.

Dr. John Covers Mercer

2006:

Into every singer's repertoire, a song or two by Johnny Mercer must fall.  In Dr. John's case, when it rains Johnny Mercer songs it pours.

Singer and pianist Dr. John is no stranger to the Great American songbook.  His 1989 collection of pop standards, In A Sentimental Mood, features classics by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and, of course, Johnny Mercer.

It was almost by accident that Dr. John, known for his fusion of New Orleans funk, pop and soul, ever got around to making an album of Johnny Mercer tunes.  Thinking it was a perfect match for her father, Dr. John's daughter suggested he record Mercer's 1946 hit "Personality."  Noting similarities between himself and his fellow Southerner, including their passion for being in the spotlight, Dr. John recorded not one, but 10 Johnny Mercer compositions for his new album, Mercernary.

Johnny Mercer himself recorded a number of songs during his career, and even though he didn't write "Personality," it's one that always suited his, well … personality.

It was no easy task sorting through a body of work that spans more than 30 years.  But in the end, Dr. John decided to go with Johnny Mercer's most-popular songs, including those he wrote with Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael and Henry Mancini.  Dr. John's soulful arrangements, fueled by his band The Lower 911, will actually have you thinking that Mercer was born and raised in New Orleans rather than Savannah, Georgia.

Dr. John recorded Mercernary just a few months before Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on his native New Orleans.  For the past year, he's been an active participant in the city's comeback.  He recently returned to his hometown to perform in a benefit concert to mark the one-year anniversary of the hurricane.

Songwriters Hall of Fame

2006:

On June 15, the Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct five composers at its 2006 ceremony in New York. They include "Philly Soul" sound pioneer Thom Bell, Oscar-winning songwriter Will Jennings, television and film score composer Sylvia Moy, Mac Davis and Henry Cosby. In addition, singer-songwriter John Mayer will receive the Hal David Starlight Award and Kris Kristofferson will be given the Johnny Mercer Award.

[Kris Kristofferson has not recorded any Johnny Mercer songs. But they both wrote songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, by Perry Como, by Andy Williams, and by Elvis Presley.]

The Songwriters Hall of Fame is also mentioned here:

The Songwriters Hall of Fame
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2009/11/songwriters-hall-of-fame.html

Tony Bennett Returns with The Art of Romance

28 November 2004

All is well with veteran jazz crooner Tony Bennett. At 78, he looks great, and says, with no uncertainty, that he's feeling just fine. Well, why not? His career remains in full swing. Tony recently performed at a benefit concert with Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tony also jetted off to the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean to sing at a wedding on national television, and has released a five-disc anniversary collection. Tony Bennett captures our hearts, yet again, with a new CD titled "The Art Of Romance."

Tony Bennett is a master of the Great American Songbook. He's held that title for as long as most fans can remember. Tony puts a magical touch on every song he sings, whether it's Johnny Mercer's "I Remember You" or Johnny Mandel's "Little Did I Dream." His obvious love for entertaining always seems to win over another generation of adoring fans.

To fully appreciate Tony Bennett, you have to return to his humble beginnings as a struggling New York nightclub performer working under the name Joe Bari. Following Bob Hope's suggestion that he change his name to Tony Bennett, the aspiring young singer won his first recording contract and a hit song with "Can You Find It In Your Heart." For most jazz singers, including Tony Bennett, the 1960s and '70s proved to be tough times, as rock 'n' roll, folk and disco commanded a majority of sales and radio airplay. But Bennett, despite falling out of favor, pushed on. He stuck with the classics, and in 1994 he was back on top with his multi-million selling Unplugged album.

What's been the key to Tony Bennett's success? He admits that some of it comes from luck, but adds, "It's about having faith in the audience to discover great art."

Tributes to great composers and vocalists are nothing new for Tony Bennett. His most recent recordings included tribute albums honoring Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and a Grammy-winning effort with k.d. lang to Louis Armstrong.

Tony Bennett wanted to try something a little different on his latest release, Art Of Romance. In addition to re-introducing little-known songs to listeners, he made his songwriting debut, composing the lyrics to Django Reinhardt's "All For You."

Tony also covers the 1966 Johnny Mercer/Geoffrey Clarkson song "Time To Smile".

Another message on Tony Bennett:

Tony Bennett
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2011/12/tony-bennett.html

Tony Bennett is also mentioned here:

All-Star Recording Pays Tribute to Johnny Mercer
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-star-recording-pays-tribute-to.html

Susannah McCorkle
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-cd-features-susannah-mccorkles-most.html

Actor Danny Aiello Records His First Album

2004-07-15

In a career spanning 30 years, actor Danny Aiello has played some of Hollywood's most memorable characters. Working with such top directors as Martin Scorcese, Spike Lee and Woody Allen, Aiello often gets cast as the working-class elder statesman, portraying urban tough guys as well as gentle, sensitive types. But, had it not been for acting, Danny Aiello would have done just fine as a singer.

Danny Aiello says he always wanted to sing. As a kid growing up in New York City, he and his friends sang a cappella on street corners. Later, as a part-time host at a comedy club, Aiello entertained customers by going on stage and singing at 2 or 3 in the morning.

Acting came next. Since taking a small part in the 1973 film Bang The Drum Slowly, Aiello has rarely been out of work. Twice he's combined his love for music and film, singing in the movies Once Around and Hudson Hawk. And then there was his appearance in Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" video in 1986. But, of course, Madonna did all the singing in that one.

Finally, in 2003, Aiello was presented an offer he couldn't refuse, a recording contract with the independent label IN2N Entertainment. Admitting that he started acting late in life, Aiello realized time had not yet run out on his dream of recording an album.

Danny Aiello makes an impressive debut on his album, I Just Wanted To Hear The Words, with classics like "Pennies From Heaven" and "You Made Me Love You." Equally at home on ballads as he is with big band and swing, Aiello easily tackles the Great American Songbook.

On "The Curtain Falls," Aiello sounds like he might have tapped into a little "method" acting. Hearing his bittersweet ode to closing nights, it's obvious he's been there before. He also covers the works of Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, to name a few.

Danny Aiello, the actor, is busier than ever. He recently completed work on a feature film, titled Lobster Farm, to be followed by a co-starring role with his son Rick in That's Amore.

Johnny Mercer Sings Just For Fun

Scheduled for release: July 2012

Lyricist for more songs than any other songwriter in history, Oscar-winning Johnny Mercer also made recordings and had four chart-toppers in the 1940s. The 29 tracks here span four decades; from the 1940s are five fun songs appearing on CD for the first time. From the 1950s are songs Mercer recorded with the Paul Smith Trio and appearing in stereo for the first time including his own "Blues In The Night", "Spring, Spring, Spring" and "Accentuate The Positive". Also included are nine demo songs Mercer composed with Hoagy Carmichael for an aborted film project, "The Keystone Girl" to star Betty Hutton. These demos with Mercer performing and Carmichael accompanying on piano are appearing on CD for the first time and include the first ever recorded version of the Oscar-winning "In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening". The final four tracks are demos from the Mercer / Andre Previn West End stage musical "The Good Companions" starring Judi Dench. One of the four tracks, "Little Lost Dream" was rejected from the final production, and how wonderful it is to hear it being sung here by the lyricist with piano accompaniment by the composer Andre Previn.

Available on compact disc and MP3 album.

Track list:
BLUES IN THE NIGHT
LOVE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
OLD NINETY-SEVEN
SPRING, SPRING, SPRING
THEM THERE EYES
SOMEBODY BAD STOLE THE WEDDING BELL
ST. LOUIS BLUES
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
JAVA JIVE
HEAR THEM BELLS
THE NEW ASHMOLEAN
TAKE ME BACK TO LITTLE ROCK
THE FIRST BASEBALL GAME
LORA-BELLE LEE
MY GAL IS MINE ONCE MORE
JAMBOREE JONES
IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING
QUEENIE, THE QUICK-CHANGE ARTIST
I GUESSED IT WAS YOU ALL THE TIME
DON’T CARE FOR THE HECK OF IT
I’M ALL TIED UP
BUT THEY BETTER NOT WAIT TOO LONG
WHEN I GET YOU IN THE BACK OF MY CADILLAC
AT THE PARTY
ANY SIMILARITY IS JUST CO-INCIDENTAL
LITTLE LOST DREAM
SLIPPIN’ AROUND THE CORNER
THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY
I’LL TELL THE WORLD

Songs From The Rosemary Clooney Show Released on CD for 1st Time

2004-05-24

America's "Girl Singer" Rosemary Clooney had a career that spanned six decades. She was a tireless performer, known for her work on radio, stage and motion pictures. At her peak in the 1950s, she had her own television show, featuring renowned conductor Nelson Riddle and dozens of musical guest stars. Most importantly, it showcased Clooney's simple yet dynamic style, and allowed her the freedom to choose the songs she wanted to sing. The songs from The Rosemary Clooney Show have been released for the first time on CD.

They're not Rosemary Clooney's best-known songs, but tunes, nevertheless, that thrilled millions of viewers on the singer's hit television show in 1956 and 1957. My Blue Heaven was one. Dream was another.

Rosemary Clooney's love affair with the American popular songbook began in her native Kentucky, where she and her sister Betty began singing as a duo. The Clooney Sisters were a short-lived act, and Rosemary went on to New York alone to seek her fame and fortune. Work came quickly. In 1950, she recorded her first big hit, Beautiful Brown Eyes. More hits followed including Hey There, which sold more than three million copies. In 1953, she was on the cover of Time magazine, opening the door to three choice movie roles and The Rosemary Clooney Show.

The Rosemary Clooney Show only lasted two years, but in those two seasons, Rosemary sang from almost every great composer's songbook. Among these popular music masters were Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and Hoagy Carmichael.

Guests stars on The Rosemary Clooney Show were numerous, and included Johnny Mercer, Bobby Troup, Mel Torme, the avant-garde vocal quartet The Hi-Lo's, actor Boris Karloff, and Clooney's husband, Oscar-winning actor Jose Ferrer. Rosemary

Clooney was still touring and recording in the years leading up to her death. She was 74 when she lost her battle with lung cancer on June 29, 2002. Earlier that year, she was presented a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry

"Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry" (lyrics by Johnny Mercer, music by Victor Schertzinger) was published in 1941, and became a hit in 1942.

Arthur Murray (4 April 1895 – 3 March 1991) was a dance instructor and businessman, whose name is most often associated with the dance studio chain that bears his name.His pupils include Eleanor Roosevelt, the Duke of Windsor, John D. Rockefeller Jr., Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, Barbara Hutton, Elizabeth Arden, Manuel L. Quezon, and Jack Dempsey. Arthur Murray was inducted into the National Museum of Dance C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame in 2007.

Victor L. Schertzinger (8 April 1888 - 26 October 1941) was an American composer, film director, film producer, and screenwriter. His films include Paramount on Parade (co-director, 1930), Something to Sing About (1937) with James Cagney, and the first two "Road" pictures Road to Singapore (1940) and Road to Zanzibar (1941). His two best-known songs are "I Remember You" and "Tangerine", both with lyrics by Johnny Mercer and both featured in Schertzinger's final film The Fleet's In (1942).

Despite the novelty status of "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry" it has been recorded by many people, including:
Marilyn Cooper

Jimmy Dorsey and Helen O'Connell

Shari Lynn and Bob Corwin

Susannah McCorkle

It has also been recorded by The King Sisters, by "Arthur Murray", and by Red Norvo with Mildred Bailey.

The most popular versions are by Jimmy Dorsey with Helen O'Connell, and by Red Norvo with Mildred Bailey.

Victor Schertzinger is also mentioned here: Johnny Mercer meets The Beatles

Lynda Carter Earns Praise for Jazz Release 'At Last'

11 September 2009
Washington

She was known to millions as "Wonder Woman" on the 1970s television series of the same name. Actress and recording artist Lynda Carter is flying high again with the release of At Last.

Yes, as Lynda Carter proves, there is life after "Wonder Woman." But, with tracks like "You Send Me," her new album begs the question, when did she start singing?

Lynda Carter was introduced to country, blues and classical music while growing up in Phoenix, Arizona. She became a professional singer at age 14, but after winning the beauty pageant title of Miss World USA, she moved to Hollywood, California, to pursue an acting career.

While her role on "Wonder Woman" as the super heroine Princess Diana took her to dizzying new heights, Carter never gave up on singing. In fact, she performed two songs from her first solo album, Portrait, on an episode of her show.

Life after the series was even busier as Carter continued to work wonders in show business. She acted on stage and screen, hosted her own variety shows, endorsed cosmetics as a celebrity promotional model, contributed voice work for video games, and sang in nightclubs. At last, at age 58, Carter has a hit record.

When At Last jumped into the Top 10 on Billboard's Jazz Albums chart, Lynda Carter couldn't have been happier. She says, "As someone who started out as a singer, it's always been a dream to be on the Billboard chart."

Carter marked her return to singing with the role of Mama Thornton in a musical production of Chicago in London. Her recent tour of "An Intimate Evening with Lynda Carter" culminated with a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

On At Last, Carter revives the works of Johnny Mercer, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Helen Humes, and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the Jimmy Harris melody "Cloudburst."

Lynda Carter performs "Blues In The Night" (Harold Arlen - Johnny Mercer) and "Come Rain Or Come Shine Medley" (Harold Arlen - Jerome Kern - Hammerstein - Johnny Mercer) on this album.

Johnny Mercer meets The Beatles

The Beatles included the song "I Remember You" (music by Victor Schertzinger, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, 1941) in their 1962 live performances, with Paul McCartney on vocals. The Beatles' arrangement of "I Remember You" was a duplicate of the 1962 recording issued by Frank Ifield.

"P.S. I Love You" (music by Gordon Jenkins, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, 1934) has been recorded many times. Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, among others.

In 1962, The Beatles recorded a Paul McCartney - John Lennon composition also titled "P.S. I Love You". McCartney was probably aware of the Mercer song. But you can't copyright a song title.

Producer Ron Richards: "I was originally a music publishing man, a plugger, so I knew someone had done a record with that title. I said to Paul [McCartney] 'You can have it as B-side, but not an A-side.'"

Mercer's biographer Gene Lees expressed annoyance at this duplicate title.

Johnny Mercer co-founded Capitol Records in 1942. The Beatles joined Capitol in 1963. Johnny was gone from Capitol by then.

Ringo Starr sang Johnny Mercer's 1944 song "Dream" (produced and arranged by George Martin) for his 1970 standards album Sentimental Journey.

Paul McCartney contacted Johnny Mercer in the 1970s in an attempt to write a song with Johnny. But Mercer was already ill and nearing the end of his life.

The 2012 Paul McCarney album Kisses On The Bottom includes "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" (music by Harold Arlen - lyrics by Johnny Mercer, 1944).

Willie and Wynton Pay Tribute to Ray Charles

22 April 2011
Doug Levine
Washington

Many consider the late Ray Charles one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Two of his biggest fans are entertainment icons themselves, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis. The pair pay tribute to their musical hero with “Here We Go Again: Celebrating The Genius Of Ray Charles.”

A Ray Charles classic from the 1960s, “Busted” features the unlikely vocal pairing of country veteran Willie Nelson and jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Of course, Ray was a pioneer when it came to mixing musical genres, so it’s no surprise that these two modern innovators decided to join forces on a tribute album dedicated to the man known simply as the “Genius.”

This isn’t the first time Willie and Wynton performed together. In 2007, they collaborated on the Number One jazz album “Two Men With the Blues,” recorded live at Lincoln Center in New York City. Two years later, they teamed up again on their salute to Ray Charles, also recorded in concert at Lincoln Center. They were supported by a five-piece band and a special guest vocalist.

Ten-time Grammy winner Norah Jones joins the Ray Charles tribute on “Come Rain Or Come Shine.” Ray recorded a version of this Harold Arlen-Johnny Mercer hit for his 1959 album, “The Genius of Ray Charles.”

Norah also sings a duet with Willie Nelson on the title track “Here We Go Again,” as well as the ballads “Cryin’ Time,” and “You Don’t Know Me.” All three stars, Willie, Wynton and Norah, sing the Ray Charles favorites “What I’d Say” and “Hit The Road Jack.”

 Ray Charles is mentioned in passing on these pages:

All-Star Recording Pays Tribute to Johnny Mercer
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-star-recording-pays-tribute-to.html

Tony Bennett
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2011/12/tony-bennett.html

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett Shares His Favorite Music on New CD
By Doug Levine
Washington
13 August 2003

Lots of people have their favorite Tony Bennett song. Maybe it's Because Of You or Left My Heart In San Francisco. Even today's younger fans, the ones who bought his Unplugged album by the millions, have a few of their own. But what are Tony's favorites? A new CD has been released of classic pop and jazz handpicked by Tony himself titled Tony Bennett: Artist's Choice.

It's no surprise that Tony Bennett's favorite music comes from the Great American Songbook, including Cole Porter's Too Darn Hot, performed by Mel Torme. Many of Bennett's own hits were drawn from the "golden era of music," peppered with pop standards by Johnny Mercer, "Yip" Harburg, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, and George and Ira Gershwin.

One of Tony Bennett's closest friends was crooner Frank Sinatra, whose version of Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) is why Bennett calls him "quite simply, the best."

Of all the recordings of One For My Baby (And One More For The Road), Tony Bennett picked Frank Sinatra's for the new CD Tony Bennett: Artist's Choice.

Bennett is a lifelong fan of great jazz vocalists. One of his heroes was Louis Armstrong, who performs Mack The Knife on the album. Bennett agreed with the late jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie when he said, "Without Louis Armstrong there would be no me."

Tony Bennett regarded Judy Garland as the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Millions of music and movie fans think so, too. Her signature song is Over The Rainbow, from one of the greatest films of all time, The Wizard Of Oz.

And speaking of signature songs, how about Rosemary Clooney's Tenderly, Duke Ellington's Take The 'A' Train, Doris Day's Sentimental Journey, Billie Holiday's I Wished On The Moon, and Nat "King" Cole's Straighten Up And Fly Right, all featured on Tony Bennett: Artist's Choice.

Other releases in the Artist's Choice series include picks by Sheryl Crow, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Lucinda Williams and Yo Yo Ma.

Waitin' For The Evenin' Mail

18 November 2011 is the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Johnny Mercer.

Comments on this blog:

this is well done. it's cool to learn more about him.
lynn paden

On Dearly Beloved:
[Fred Astaire] looks so sexy in his white tux jacket, singing this song in the movie...
Chris Bamberger

Two 'Must Haves' for Mercer fans and all fans of pre R&R American pop music are 'Johnny Mercer: The Dreams on Me', a two disk TCM - Warner Bros. DVD documentary and 'The Great American Songbook' Warner Bros. DVD hosted by Michael Feinstein. Both are entertaining as they are instructive.
NewRoc

Thanks, Mark. I hadn't realized how productive he was as a songwriter. I suppose most of his work was for the lyrics.
Even if he hadn't written a word, he would be with the angels, having co-founded Capitol Records in the early 1940s.
Mike McGregor

On the death of Gene Lees, Johnny Mercer's biographer: ‎
:-(
Mark Carroll

A head-'em-off-at-the-pass note for the persnickety: I know, Waitin' For The Evenin' Mail is not a Johnny Mercer composition. It's by Billy Baskette, from 1923. But Johnny did sing it on the radio.

Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville Releases Nature Boy: The Standards Album
Washington
12 August 2003

Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues singer Aaron Neville has one of the most recognizable voices in modern music history. With his family group, The Neville Brothers, and as a solo performer, Aaron has recorded a diverse repertoire of funk, soul, R&B, rock, pop and gospel. Aaron Neville offers interpretations of classic American composers on his new CD, Nature Boy: The Standards Album.

Aaron Neville grew up in New Orleans, a city known for its rich jazz and blues heritage. "Jazz was as much a part of my musical education as blues or funk. My brother Charles hipped me [made me aware] to modern jazz when I was a kid. He's always been an inspiration," he said. "My dad, Arthur, was our first inspiration. He loved Nat 'King' Cole's brand of jazz, and 'Nature Boy' was his favorite song. I sing it in tribute to him."

During the 1960s, Aaron Neville recorded for a few small labels in Louisiana before hitting Number 1 on the pop chart in 1967 with his soul and blues tune, Tell It Like It Is.

Joining the Neville Brothers in the 1970s, Aaron helped them earn a string of successful albums. In 1989, Aaron's duet with Linda Ronstadt, Don't Know Much, reached the Number two position. On his new album, Nature Boy, Aaron reunites with old friend Linda on The Very Thought of You.

Aaron Neville's Nature Boy, features songs by legendary American composers such as George Gershwin, Oscar Levant, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and Cole Porter. Aaron says he wanted to recreate the mood of a small club, and use his voice like a jazz instrument. He also wanted to include ballads that "blurred the line" between jazz and blues.

In the studio, Aaron also called on an all-star line-up of jazz musicians, such as Ron Carter, Grady Tate, Michael Brecker, Roy Hargrove, and Aaron's brother, Charles Neville. "These are some bad cats [cool musicians]," he said. "They got the mood just right. For me, jazz is all about mood. Jazz is all about standards that are connected to your soul, connected to your life."

Aaron Neville feels it was a natural progression for him to record an album of standards. "To be singing these chestnuts [old songs] brings me back to my parents. These were the songs they danced to, and they were the songs of my youth," he said. "My folks taught me that music, love and God are all one thing. So, in singing these songs, I feel the spirit of all love."

In April, Aaron Neville was inducted into the Delta Music Museum and Hall of Fame at a ceremony in his home state of Louisiana. He's currently on a U.S. tour with The Neville Brothers.

[Listen to an excerpt of Aaron Neville's recording of the Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen song "Come Rain Or Come Shine".]

Johnny Mercer's Music Shop

On August first of 1942, the 1942–44 musicians' strike began. No union musicians could record for any record company, but were able to play for live engagements and radio shows; the issue which prompted the strike was regarding record companies paying royalties to musicians. Many record companies had "stockpiled" recordings of their stars prior to the strike, planning to release them over a period of time. While the older, more established record labels were able to do this, the newly formed Capitol had no opportunity to do likewise. The strike brought the new company to a standstill until Johnny Mercer began his radio show, Johnny Mercer's Music Shop, in June 1943. The radio show was meant to be a venue for Capitol's talent during the Musicians' Strike. Mercer and Capitol recording artist Jo Stafford hosted the program, with Paul Weston and his orchestra providing the music for it.One small correction: "Wendell Myles" should be announcer Wendell Niles (1904–1994). He was an announcer on The Bob Hope Show, The Burns & Allen Show, and The Milton Berle Show. Wendell and his brother Ken Niles have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.An interesting promotional tie-in (circa 1943) for Johnny Mercer's Music Shop. Here's some additional information on the songs it contains:
*Blue Rain (written with Jimmy Van Heusen, 1939)
*My Shining Hour (with Harold Arlen, 1943) From the Fred Astaire/Joan Leslie movie The Sky's The Limit
*Skylark (with Hoagy Carmichael, 1942)
*Ooh! What You Said (with Hoagy Carmichael, 1939) from the Simone Simon/Mitzi Green/Mary Brian stage show Three After Three
*Mister Meadowlark (with Walter Donaldson, 1940)
*Love Of My Life (with Artie Shaw, 1940) From the Fred Astaire/Paulette Goddard movie Second Chorus
*I Thought About You (with Jimmy Van Heusen, 1939)
*On Behalf Of The Visiting Firemen (with Walter Donaldson, 1940) "Official Song New York World's Fair 1940"
*Make With The Kisses (with Jimmy Van Heusen, 1939)
*Strip Polka (1942)
*One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) (with Harold Arlen, 1943) from the R.K.O. picture The Sky's The Limit

Helen Merrill

Helen Merrill (born 21 July 1930 in New York City), is an internationally known jazz vocalist. Her recording career has spanned six decades. Merrill has recorded and performed with some of the most notable figures in the American jazz scene.

Helen Merrill sings Johnny Mercer:

"Dearly Beloved" (1942, written by Jerome Kern & Johnny Mercer) can be found on the various artists album The Complete Jerome Kern Songbooks (1997).

"I'm Old Fashioned" (1942, written by Jerome Kern & Johnny Mercer) can be found on the Helen Merrill album American Songbook Series: Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern (2009).

"Laura" (1945, written by David Raskin & Johnny Mercer) can be found on the Helen Merrill/Gordon Beck/Stephane Grappelli/Steve Lacy album Music Makers (1986).

"Sounds Around The House" (1976, written by Alec Wilder & Johnny Mercer) can be found on the Helen Merrill/Torrie Zito/Tom Harrell/Art Farmer album Mixes (2003).

Music samples can be heard at each link.

John Pizzarelli Trio Releases Double-CD for 10th Anniversary: Live At Birdland

By Doug Levine
Washington
22 July 2003

Forty-three-year-old jazz vocalist John Pizzarelli is one of today's top interpreters of the Great American Songbook. He's also a gifted composer and guitarist. This year John is celebrating two anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of his debut album, and the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed trio, featuring his brother Martin on bass and Ray Kennedy on piano. The John Pizzarelli Trio commemorates their first 10 years with a new live CD.

John Pizzarelli is a generous performer. Not only does he give 100 percent on stage, he credits his fellow musicians for a decade of overwhelming success both on the road and in the studio. John says, "Without the incredible talents of Ray Kennedy and Martin Pizzarelli, I would be hard-pressed to find musicians who can swing so hard, play so delicately on a ballad, and put up with me at a sound check."

John Pizzarelli was born the son of renowned jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Bucky taught John to play guitar, and years later invited his young son to perform with him on-stage. John's earliest influences were guitarist Django Reinhardt, The Beatles, and singer Michael Franks. But, it wasn't until his father introduced him to the music of Nat "King" Cole that he decided to devote himself entirely to jazz.

"I think his introduction to me of the Nat Cole Trio's CDs, records actually, in 1980, was what laid the foundation of what I wanted to do," he explained. "That's when I discovered Route 66, Straighten Up And Fly Right, and most notably Paper Moon. It was a record that my father always talked about."

John released his first solo album, I'm Hip, Please Don't Tell My Father, in 1983. The eight selections featured his father, Bucky, on guitar. John continued to appear with his father in concert and on records until forming his "drummer-less" trio in 1992.

The trio's new double-CD was recorded at the legendary Birdland nightclub in New York City in September 2002. One disc is a so-called "greatest hits" collection, and the other contains all new material. John says he enjoys composing but will always owe a debt of gratitude to America's master songwriters.

"I love George Gershwin's writing," he said. "There's something extremely rhythmic about it. I love Johnny Mercer's lyrics. And I love Yip Harburg's lyrics. Everyone is like a little gift. I find them to be fascinating that way."

John will pay tribute to another one of his musical heroes, Frank Sinatra, when he stars in an upcoming show called His Voice, His Song. John will perform some of Sinatra's best-known songs with a 40-piece orchestra at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.The Songs Of Johnny Mercer: Too Marvelous For Words, Starring Johnny Mathis, Melissa Manchester, John Pizzarelli Trio, Margaret Whiting and Music Director Peter Nero

Margaret Whiting

Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting's recording of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (written by Frank Loesser) is found on the Johnny Mercer album Capitol Collectors Series, the Margaret Whiting album Capitol Collectors Series, and the various artists album Crooner Styles.

The recording by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer was recorded on 18 March 1949 and released by Capitol Records as catalog number 567. It first reached the Billboard Best Seller chart on 6 May 1949, and lasted 19 weeks on the chart, peaking at number four.



Johnny Mercer, Peggy Lee, The Pied Pipers, Margaret Whiting and Benny Goodman perform "The Freedom Train" (written by Irving Berlin) on the Peggy Lee album The Lost 40s & '50s Capitol Masters.

Margaret Whiting performs "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" (written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer); and Rod McKuen, Margaret Whiting and Petula Clark perform "Dream" (written by Johnny Mercer); both from the album Dream - Lyrics & Music Of Johnny Mercer, 18th S.T.A.G.E. Benefit.



 Margaret Whiting is also mentioned in this message: St. Louis Woman

Margaret's dad Richard Whiting is briefly mentioned in this message: Lester Young.

Lester Young

Lester Willis Young (tenor saxophone), born 27 August 1909. Lester's policy: know the words of a song before you play it. When Lester plays the sax, he's also singing the words.

Lester's recording of "Too Marvelous for Words" (Johnny Mercer - Richard A. Whiting) is found on the various artists album Too Marvelous For Words: The Johnny Mercer Songbook (instrumentals).

"Jeepers Creepers" (Johnny Mercer - Harry Warren) is found on the Lester Young album In Washington, D.C. 1956 Volume One.

"Come Rain Or Come Shine" (Johnny Mercer - Harold Arlen) is found on the Lester Young album Standards: Great Songs/Great Performances.

Music samples can be heard at each link.

Astaire

"Fred Astaire
(b. May 10, 1899, Omaha, Neb.; d. June 22, 1987), the brilliant singer-dancer, began performing at age five in vaudeville with his sister, Adele; a favorite interpreter of many of the greatest Hollywood songwriters in the 1930s and 1940s, he was a composer himself."
Excerpt of "Johnny Mercer's Collaborators" from The Complete Lyrics of Johnny Mercer.

Messages that mention Fred:

Johnny Mercer's Music Shop
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2011/09/johnny-mercers-music-shop.html

Waitin' For The Evenin' Mail
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2011/11/waitin-for-evenin-mail.html

All-Star Recording Pays Tribute to Johnny Mercer
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-star-recording-pays-tribute-to.html

Dearly Beloved
http://mercerjohnny.blogspot.com/2009/11/dearly-beloved.html