Skylark: The Life and Times of Johnny Mercer Book

Raised in Savannah, Johnny Mercer and his elegant, evoca-tive lyrics took New York and Hollywood by storm. Part of a golden guild whose members included Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, Mercer put words to some of the most famous tunes of the time-like 'One for My Baby,' 'Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive,' and the immortal 'Skylark.' His life was contradictory-Mercer was a chivalrous and kind Southern gentleman, but also a bitterly frustrated man, depressed, aggressive, and alcoholic. His lone marriage, to a woman he bested Bing Crosby for, was long and turbulent, and led Mercer to an intense affair with Judy Garland, who was the secret love of his life and the inspiration for his greatest songs. Based on interviews with songwriters, singers, and composers who knew Mercer-as well as unpre-cedented access to Mercer's papers,letters, manuscripts, and an un-finished autobiography- Skylark is a landmark book about one of the great and dramatic characters in twentieth-century popular music.Read More