Photo Coverage: New York Pops Celebrate Johnny Mercer

By: Nov. 21, 2009
CHEYENNE JACKSON
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Legendary composer and lyricist Johnny Mercer's tremendous musical accomplishments were celebrated by the New York Pops, along with some very special guests, in a concert on November 20 at Carnegie Hall. Joining the New York Pops were Tony Award nominee Ann Hampton Callaway, James T. Lane, N'Kenge, and the Camp Broadway Kids.

Singer/songwriter Michael Feinstein was a surprise guest for the evening as well. Feinstein - the multi-platinum selling, five-time Granny nominated entertainer dubbed of "The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook" - is considered one of the premiere interpreters of American Popular Song. Feinstein was recently announced to be starring in the upcoming Broadway show ALL ABOUT ME, along with Dame Edna. Feinstein's newest CD "The Power of Two", in collaboration with Cheyenne Jackson, has been called "Groundbreaking" by the New York Times. For more on Feinstein visit his website by clicking here.

Steven Reineke was the music director and conductor.

The evening celebrated Mercer and his extensive American songbook, which include such classics as "Something's Gotta Give," "Dream," "Blues in the Night," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "One for My Baby," "Hooray for Hollywood," and "Moon River."

Best known as a lyricist, Mercer (1909-1976) is credited with writing 1,700 songs, including 90 for motion pictures, receiving four Academy Awards and 19 nominations. He wrote such memorable tunes as "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby," "Jeepers Creepers," "I Remember You," "And The Angels Sing," "Come Rain Or Come Shine," "One For My Baby," "Satin Doll," "On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe," "That Old Black Magic," "Glow Worm," "Days Of Wine And Roses" and "Moon River."

Mercer also wrote six Broadway musicals, including "St. Louis Woman" (1946) and "Li'l Abner" (1956). In addition, he was a leading radio personality and recording artist, one of the founders and president of Capitol Records, and one of the creators of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. More than 30 years after his death, his songs can still be heard on recordings, tapes, compact discs, on the radio or television, in movies, on stage or in cabarets around

Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall is located at the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.


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