Whiting, Margaret Wrangler, Jack

Description

During this lengthy interview, which took place on March 31, 1995, the conversation ranges widely over a variety of subjects and issues relating to Johnny Mercer's life and artistry. Whiting talks at some length of the early years of Capitol Records, discussing in particular her experiences as one of the first recording artists for the company. She talks about the studios that Capitol used, the other stars who recorded for the label, and the songs she recorded, especially "Moonlight in Vermont." Whiting and Wrangler comment extensively on Mercer's work habits and methods, and they mention his working relationships with his collaborators (including Harry Warren, Richard Whiting, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini). The conversation turns frequently to a discussion of Mercer's personal relationships, personality, and social life. Important topics include Mercer's leisure activities, the parties and dinners he attended, and his relationship with his wife, Ginger. They also mention briefly the memorial service held in Mercer's honor, and Ginger Mercer's life after her husband's death.Margaret Whiting (born 22 July 1924 in Detroit, Michigan), the daughter of songwriter Richard Whiting (1891-1938), was one of the first artists to be engaged by Capitol Records, where she began recording in 1942. Johnny Mercer played a major role in the development of her career as a singer. In the early 1940s her hits included "That Old Black Magic" (with Freddie Slack), "Moonlight in Vermont" (with Billy Butterfield), and "It Might As Well Be Spring" (with Paul Weston). Between 1946 and 1954 Whiting had more than...

Record Contributed By

Georgia State University

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia