Musical theater maestro Oscar Hammerstein once called Johnny Mercer “the most perfect American lyricist alive.” The man who wrote “One More for My Baby,” “Moon River,” and “Days of Wine and Roses” churned out hit songs over four different decades¬from the 1930s through the ’60s¬including compositions for movies. 

Mercer, as portrayed by New York-area pianist/vocalist John Bauers, sits down with Library Director Crosby Kemper III for a tune-filled public discussion of his life and career in the latest installment of the Library’s popular Meet the Past series. Bauers, who has just released a CD titled “Mercerville” with his band Swingadelic, has had a lifelong obsession with Mercer and his music. Vocalist Vanessa Perea joins him in the musical numbers.

Co-presented by Jack Holland.