Biography of Johnny Mercer

In the course of a remarkable career, Johnny Mercer wore many hats. He was one of the best and most prolific lyricists of his time ("One for My Baby," "Blues in the Night," "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," "Moon River") and a fine composer ("Dream," "Something's Gotta Give"). He was also cofounder and president of Capitol Records, where he signed Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee, among others, and a cofounder and president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was a recording star in his own right in the '40s. Mercer did not rely strictly on his own material nor did he possess a technically great voice, but he sang in an appealing, easygoing, swinging style, backed mainly by the Paul Weston Orchestra and The Pied Pipers on background vocals. Mercer's recordings are a bit reminiscent of The Sinatra swing albums of the '50s. His recording of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," one of his most popular, enjoyed renewed interest with its appearance in the movie Bugsy and its use as the theme of the TV show Homefront. Mercer was one of those rare individuals who seemed able to achieve anything he put his mind to and do it well. ~ Kenneth M. Cassidy

Biography of The Pied Pipers

Originally consisting of eight members, the Pied Pipers had their greatest success after nearly half of the members left the group. The remaining Pipers (Billy Wilson, Chuck Lowry, Jo Stafford, and her then-husband John Huddleston) joined the Tommy Dorsey Band in 1939, backing Sinatra on many classic recordings. In 1942 the Pied Pipers broke away from Dorsey, and Huddleston joined the army, to be replaced by Hal Hopper, one of the original eight members. The group backed Johnny Mercer on several tracks during the early 40s, including "Candy" and "Blues in the Night." Their first single ("Deacon Jones"/"Pistol Packin' Mama") was released in 1943. Stafford had become quite busy with her solo career and left the group in 1944, to be replaced by June Hutton. Throughout the rest of the decade the Pied Pipers charted frequently, yet their popularity waned in the '50s. A group bearing the Pied Pipers' name still tours today. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Biography of Paul Weston & His Orchestra

No biography available