Bill Charlap

Admired and praised by the likes of Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer has been described as "one of our great folk poets" and "the most perfect American lyricist." Throughout his extraordinary career, he collaborated with hundreds of composers to write legendary movie songs such as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers Creepers" and "Moon River." Mercer then went on to co-found Capitol Records in 1942 and became a successful Broadway producer of St. Louis Woman and Li'l Abner. Because his music continues to speak to us even today, the story of Johnny Mercer's life and work has widespread appeal. To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1909, this documentary will present the life and work of Johnny Mercer through the storytelling eyes of Clint Eastwood with new performances and interviews by: Tony Bennett, John Williams, Julie Andrews, Dr. John, Michael Feinstein, Blake Edwards, Jamie Cullum, Audra McDonald, André Previn and Stephen Holden.