John Herndon Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter, singer, and record label executive. He co-founded Capitol Records with music industry businessmen Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E. Wallichs. He is best known as a Tin Pan Alley lyricist, but he also composed music and was a popular singer who recorded his own as well as others' songs from the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s. Mercer's songs were among the most successful hits of the time, including "Moon River", "Days of Wine and Roses", "Autumn Leaves", and "Hooray for Hollywood". He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received nineteen Oscar nominations, and won four Best Original Song Oscars.
Johnny Mercer has 35 screen credits in a career dating back to 1935. Signature works include To Beat the Band, Old Man Rhythm. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
