Johnny Mercer

Johnny Mercer was an influential American songwriter, lyricist, and music publisher active from the 1920s to the 1970s. Born in 1909 in Savannah, Georgia, he became renowned for his clever and emotive lyrics in popular songs. Mercer co-founded Capitol Records and wrote classics like "Moon River," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "Hooray for Hollywood." His ability to blend poetic lyricism with memorable melodies helped shape the Great American Songbook. Over his career, he won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to American music.