The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 2 Episode 29 Johnny Mercer, Eva Gabor

Johnny Mercer, the legendary songwriter and singer, is the special guest on this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, alongside actress Eva Gabor. Mercer, who has been a prolific force in music for over four decades, chats with Carson about his career and performs some of his greatest hits.

Carson opens the show with his usual witty banter, poking fun at current events and his own personal life. He then introduces Mercer, who greets the audience with a warm smile and a wave. Mercer was known for writing over 1,500 songs, including classics like "Moon River," "That Old Black Magic," and "Jeepers Creepers." He shares some stories about his experiences in the music industry, revealing that he was influenced by jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

Mercer then performs "Jeepers Creepers," which he wrote for the 1938 film Going Places. He sings with great passion and energy, his smooth voice filling the room. The audience erupts in applause, and Carson looks genuinely impressed.

After the performance, Carson asks Mercer about his songwriting process. Mercer explains that he usually starts with a melody, and then writes the lyrics to fit. He jokes that sometimes the lyrics don't make sense, but as long as they sound good, that's all that matters.

Next up is Eva Gabor, the famous actress known for her roles in Green Acres and The AristoCats. She talks about her recent trip to Europe and shares some funny stories about her travels. Carson compliments her on her stunning dress and asks if she's the kind of person who always pays attention to fashion. Gabor admits that she loves clothes and explains that she has a lot of fun experimenting with different looks.

Carson then plays a game with Gabor called "Bride and Gloom," in which he shows her pictures of famous brides and asks her to guess their identities. Gabor is surprisingly good at the game, correctly identifying brides like Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. Carson jokes that she must have "a photographic memory and a wedding obsession."

The show concludes with Mercer performing "Moon River," his most famous song, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1961. He sings the elegant ballad with incredible grace and emotion, captivating the audience and bringing the show to a perfect end.

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a delightful mix of music, laughter, and celebrity interviews. Mercer and Gabor are both fascinating guests who share their unique perspectives and talents with the audience. Carson is at the top of his game as a host, bringing out the best in his guests and keeping the show entertaining and engaging from beginning to end.