Johnny Mercer

(1909-1976)

One of the most prolific songwriters of any era, Mercer covered an enormous range of styles. His lyrics often incorporated Southern vernacular into a more sophisticated urban genre. Winner of four Academy Awards, Mercer's most familiar songs include Moon River, Fools Rush In, Autumn Leaves, Hooray for Hollywood, I Thought About You, I'm Old Fashioned, Laura, Satin Doll, Summer Wind, and Tangerine.

In 1996 the United States Postal Service recognized Harold Arlen when it issued the Songwriters Commemorative stamps. The four subjects for the Songwriters stamps are among the most popular and successful composers of all time: Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Dorothy Fields, and Johnny Mercer.