Here is the definitive collection of Johnny Mercer (1909-1976), a show-business phenomenon. Not only did he write the (usually witty, polished) lyrics for more popular songs than any other songwriter in history, as well as composing many fine numbers himself, he also founded Capitol Records in 1942 and, as a performer, his genial vocal style won him huge popularity in its own right – and 29 chart successes. In short, he was simply Too Marvelous For Words. Retrospective’s 2 CD survey presents, on the first disc, 28 of his finest creations, in each case sung by its best contemporary interpreter. He collaborates with 17 different composers, notably Harold Arlen (e.g. That Old Black Magic– Judy Garland), Hoagy Carmichael (e.g. Skylark– Dinah Shore) or Harry Warren (e.g. Jeepers Creepers– Louis Armstrong), as well as his very own songs (e.g. I’m An Old Cowhand– Bing Crosby). The second disc shines the spotlight on Johnny Mercer the singer. And what a great performer he was! Opening with a rare, superb version of his and Hoagy Carmichael’s Lazy bones from 1933, the selection includes 14 of his top 20 hits. Mercer was always at his best when performing with other top personalities, and 10 duets are included with such stars as Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Jack Teagarden and Bobby Darin. The whole programme contains no fewer than 10 Oscar-winners or nominations (In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening, Moon River)!

Artists

Bing Crosby, Helen Ward, Connee Boswell, Louis Armstrong, Ziggy Elman, Martha Tilton, Mildred Bailey, Tony Martin, Ray Eberle, Mary Martin, Jack Teagarden, Bob Eberly, Helen O'Connell, Dinah Shore, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Margaret Whiting, Jo Stafford, Dick Haymes, The Pied Pipers, Helen Forrest, Frankie Laine, The Mills Brothers, Sammy Davis Jr, Danny Williams, The Rita Williams Singers, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Rube Bloom (piano), Victor Young & His Small Fryers, Nat King Cole, Nat King Cole & His Trio, The Skylarks, Ben Pollack & His Pick-a-rib Boys, Dick Leonards (piano), Bobby Darin, Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra, Benny Goodman & His Orchestra, John Scott Trotter Orchestra, Bob Crosby & His Orchestra, Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra, Ray Sinatra & His Orchestra, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden & His Orchestra, Rosario Bourdon & His Orchestra, David Rose & His Orchestra, Freddie Slack & His Orchestra, Hal Mooney & His Orchestra, Victor Young & His Orchestra, Paul Weston & His Orchestra, Hal McIntryre & His Orchestra, Sy Oliver & His Orchestra, Geoff Love & His Orchestra, Henry Mancini & His Orchestra, The Dorsey Brothers' Orchestra, Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra, Billy Butterfield & His Orchestra, Billy May & His Orchestra