Just about every Sunday morning, I can pretty much guarantee that I will be moved to tears. This morning was no different. On my favorite television program, CBS Sunday Morning, I so enjoyed the story of Johnny Mercer. How fitting to honor this man by erecting a bronze likeness of him in his home town of Savannah, GA in 2009 which would have been his 100th birthday.
Who wouldn't be moved to tears by the kind of music this man created or the lyrics that inspired generations? So many wonderful performers sang, danced, or acted to the music he made famous. His music was classic, timeless, unforgettable. Johnny Mercer gave us decades of songs to lift our spirits and ponder our deepest emotions.
I didn't know Mercer was the founder of Capitol Records. I did know he was the co-author of "Moon River" by my beloved Andy Williams. But I learned that he also wrote another of my favorite Andy Williams songs, "Days of Wine and Roses." I didn't know this and many other heartfelt tunes were inspired by Mercer's love for Judy Garland. Ah, the glory days that were the 50's, 60's, and 70's. So much wonderful music; I'm glad I was here to enjoy it all.
I can't quite get excited about today's music. Much of it just doesn't fit the category, at least for me. I can't imagine that it will endure like the classics of days gone by?
I just can't imagine being moved to tears by stories of music by Amy Winehouse or Eminem.
So thank you CBS Sunday Morning. You offer a great way to start the day.
I just caught the tail end of that story, but like you I hadn't known that Mercer started Capitol Records and that a lot of his music was inspired for his love for Judy Garland! Music is just not like when we grew up! Happy New Year to you and your family!
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