Every year, Friends of Johnny Mercer Inc. puts on a free concert that celebrates the birthday of Savannah native Johnny Mercer. This year is the 99th anniversary of his birth, and the upcoming concert is intended to be a kickoff for the 100-year event that will take place in 2009.
“The name of the game is to try to get people to remember that not only is Mercer a Savannian, but his lyrics were very, very influential in the ‘40s and ‘50s,” said Lee Maltenfort, the second vice president of Friends of Johnny Mercer Inc.
Johnny Mercer’s written over 1700 songs, won four academy awards (one for his most famous works, “Moon River” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”), and created Capitol records and the songwriters hall of fame.
The Nov. 16 concert is not the only event to celebrate this extraordinary man. All through 2009 there will be events that lead up to the 100th birthday concert and unveiling of a statue of Mercer shortly after. Some of the events include Winton Marcellis coming to the Savannah Music Festival to do a night of Mercer’s music. The Lucas Theatre is also putting on a series of films that Mercer was associated with, films like “Lil’ Abner” and “The Harvey Girls.”
This years’ concert features local musicians like Kim Polote, Trae Gurley, Huxsie Scott, Roger Moss and a special appearance by Ben Tucker. The Skylight Jazz orchestra from Savannah Arts Academy will play, and new this year will be the men’s gospel choir from Savannah State University.
The Mercer Birthday Tribute Concert will be on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Johnny Mercer Theater in the Savannah Civic Center. Attendance and parking is free and open to the public.
