Watch Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me is a 2009 documentary film that explores the life and music of Johnny Mercer, one of the greatest American songwriters of the 20th century. Directed by Bruce Ricker, the film features interviews with Mercer's family, friends, and musical collaborators, as well as performances of his most beloved songs by contemporary artists.

The film begins with a brief overview of Mercer's early life in Savannah, Georgia, where he was born into a prominent family in 1909. Growing up, Mercer was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, from gospel and blues to jazz and pop. He became interested in songwriting at a young age and began writing lyrics and music for school plays and local revues.

In the 1930s, Mercer moved to New York City to pursue a career in songwriting. He quickly made a name for himself as a lyricist, collaborating with composers like Hoagy Carmichael and Richard Whiting. Mercer was known for his witty and sophisticated lyrics, which captured the spirit of the times and resonated with audiences across the country.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from several of Mercer's collaborators, including Julie Andrews, Harold Arlen, and Bill Charlap. These artists speak fondly of Mercer's talent and his impact on the music industry. They also share personal anecdotes about their time working with him, highlighting his humor, charm, and creativity.

The film also explores some of Mercer's most famous songs, including "Moon River," "Skylark," and "Jeepers Creepers." We hear these classic tunes sung by contemporary artists like Jamie Cullum, Audra McDonald, and John Pizzarelli, who put their own spin on these timeless melodies.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its focus on Mercer's role as a pioneer of the American pop music industry. Mercer was one of the first songwriters to break away from the Tin Pan Alley model of publishing and distribution, which relied on a small group of publishers and sheet music retailers. Instead, Mercer founded his own publishing company, Capitol Records, and used the emerging technologies of radio and television to promote his music to a wider audience.

In addition to exploring Mercer's personal and professional life, the film also delves into some of the more complex issues surrounding his legacy. For example, Mercer was criticized for writing racially insensitive lyrics in some of his early songs, and the film grapples with this aspect of his work. At the same time, the documentary celebrates Mercer's contributions to American music and his impact on generations of songwriters.

Throughout the film, we see rare footage of Mercer performing and recording his music, as well as clips from interviews and television appearances. These archival materials add depth and richness to the film, giving viewers a sense of the man behind the music.

Overall, Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that pays tribute to one of America's greatest songwriters. Through interviews, performances, and archival materials, the film offers a comprehensive look at Mercer's life and music, while also exploring some of the more complex issues surrounding his legacy. Whether you're a fan of classic American music or simply interested in the history of the industry, this film is sure to delight and inspire.

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.