Johnny Mercer legendary American lyricist, songwriter and co-founder of Capital Records

My mother-in-law, Barbara Bagnell recently visited the family plot of one of the greatest American lyricist and co-founder of Capital Records, Johnny Mercer at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.

Johnny came from a prominent family from Savanah and attributed his musical talent to his mother, who would sing sentimental ballads and his attorney father who mostly sang old Scottish songs.

Their influence would rub-off on Johnny years later when he wrote such classics as “Fools Rush In”, “Hooray for Hollywood”, “That Old Black Magic”,” Come Rain or Come Shine” and my favourite, “Moon River” and the list goes on and on.

John Herndon Mercer died in Hollywood, California on June 25, 1976. He was only 66.

1909-1976

Entrance to Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia.

Self-portrait and signature of Johnny Mercer engraved on a bench near his grave in Savannah.

*photos taken and provided by travel writer and editor, Barbara Bagnell.