Press Contact: Sandy Traub 912‐398‐9828 Mobile [email protected] Chairperson: Johnny Mercer Centennial Mayor Johnson’s Steering Committee Dianne S. Thurman 912‐658‐3959 Mobile [email protected] “I First Met Johnny Mercer When I Was Ten,” shares Stratton Leopold
Movie producer and ice cream maker Stratton Leopold reminisces of Johnny Mercer and the Mercer
family. This anecdote is presented in the JOHNNY MERCER CENTENNIAL's series: "100‐day Countdown
to Johnny Mercer's 100th Birthday ‐‐ November 18, 2009."
SAVANNAH, Georgia (August 30, 2009) – My father initially knew Johnny the young man, not the
superstar he became. Johnny grew up a block away from my family’s ice cream store on Gwinnett and
Habersham Streets. He worked there as a teenager and the families got to know each other.
I first met Johnny when I was about ten…. He would visit with my father on his Savannah trips. He had
told my father he would write a song about our signature flavor, Tutti Frutti, but never got around to
it. I grew up with Johnny’s niece, Nancy, and fondly remember Nancy’s Mom, Juliana, who was
Johnny’s sister. The world lost part of its ability to sing when Johnny passed away.
Johnny’s contribution to the world, nay, universe of music is monumental. He will live forever through
his wonderful music.
ABOUT THE JOHNNY MERCER CENTENNIAL
Themed Too Marvelous for Words, the JOHNNY MERCER CENTENNIAL honors Johnny Mercer, the man
behind the music that the greatest generation grew up to, went off to war to, and returned home to
court to. He and Henry Mancini gave us Moon River, a poignant reminder to value family and friends. It
is Johnny Mercer who gave us the great lyrics to Acc‐cent‐tchu‐ate the Positive, giving America a great
rally song again in 2009.
John Herndon Mercer (1909‐1976) is a native son of Savannah, Georgia and a foremost figure of 20th
century American popular music. He was co‐founder of Capitol Records Company, founding president of
the Songwriters Hall of Fame and author of 1700 songs. He was nominated for 18 Academy Awards for
Best Song and won 4 Oscars®. His lyrics are significant contributions to the Great American Songbook.
For more information on the Johnny Mercer Centennial ‐‐ www.johnnymercercentennial.com.
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