John Darcy's Influence On Society

During what many would consider to be the golden age of American popular music, many songs were being written by immigrants or first generation Americans growing up in cities at the turn of the twentieth century. However, one of the most notable of these writers came from the southern United States. His southern background would influence his music throughout his entire career. His ability to incorporate images of nature into his songs, discuss love and the value of family and write songs that sound conversational would set him apart from other writers of the time and make him one of the greatest music composers of all time. John Herndon Mercer was born into a wealthy family in Savannah Georgia on November 18, 1909 (“Johnny Mercer”). His
entered World War II, Mercer found work writing in propaganda movies . He was involved in such films as The Fleet's In and Star Spangled Rhythm. These films included several hits by Mercer such as "I Remember You" and "That Old Black Magic". These songs were still played even after the war and are still popular among lounge singers today (Eskew). In 1942, Mercer along with movie business executive Buddy De Sylva and Glen Wallichs, a music store owner, founded Capitol Records, with Mercer as President and main talent scout. He is responsible for signing artists such as Nat King Cole, Jo Stafford, and Stan Kenton. By 1946, one-sixth of all records sold in the United States came from Capitol
(Lunden) Mercer provided the lyrics while Henry Mancini wrote the music. The result was “Moon River” which won Mercer and Mancini an Academy Award for best movie song (Cryer). Mercer's career being overshadowed by the new, popular music of the day is apparent in some of his later compositions. Songs such as “Summer Wind” that was a hit for Frank Sinatra and the song "When the World Was Young" both have lyrics that express nostalgia (Eskew). In his later years Mercer continued to have successes. In 1969, his skills as a business man helped him to begin the Songwriters Hall of Fame where he became the president (“Johnny Mercer”). Mercer was later diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery for it. However, he never completely recovered. Johnny Mercer died on June 25, 1976. In 1995, it was declared that April 19, 1995 would be Johnny Mercer day in the state of Georgia. In 1971, Mercer was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and, in 1980, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (Eskew). Mercer' music is still heard today although many may not realize it. The Academy Awards open every year to “Hooray for Hollywood,” which Mercer helped compose. His music also continues to be featured on numerous television programs and