Hotline ~ Barry To Host BBC2 Radio Show

[Lana (UK)]

Manilow and Mercer

Friday 13th November 2009, 21:15 on BBC Radio 2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ns1wk - Available online, on digital and on 88-91 FM

Friday Night is Mercer Night is a special evening on Radio 2 celebrating the birth centenary of the great lyricist Johnny Mercer. In the first programme, the singer and actor Clarke Peters, explores the way in which Johnny Mercer's birthplace - Savannah, Georgia - influenced his songs.

The final programme of Friday Night is Mercer Night sees the international superstar Barry Manilow present his own personal view of Johnny Mercer.

After the death of Johnny Mercer, his widow Ginger found a selection of his lyrics which appeared never to have been set to music. She approached Barry Manilow and asked him to compose melodies for them. Manilow's first song with the Mercer lyrics, When October Goes, has become a standard and many others have followed, recorded by the likes of Nancy Wilson, Monica Mancini and of course Manilow himself. Barry Manilow talks about the work he did to set the lyrics. We hear examples from recordings and others which have never before been released.

In addition, Barry Manilow tells the story of Mercer's later years and analyses how his genius developed. We hear about the way in which Mercer kept finding opportunities to write, even when the fashion for musical films was fading. There's a glimpse into Johnny Mercer's personal relationships, including an affair with Judy Garland. And there are insights into his final pieces of work and his last recordings.

New interviewees include the singer Andy Williams; the conductor and composer Andre Previn, who wrote a London stage musical with Mercer; and the lyricist Alan Bergman, to whom Mercer was a mentor.


Please visit www.manilowuk.com and www.manilow.com for all the latest Barry news!

[Rosalind Winton]

Hey Lana, thanks for posting this, I can't wait to hear Barry talking about Johnny, someone I know Barry has always admired.

[Linda]

thanks Lana for posting this.

[Pam Richardson]

Hi Lana,
Thanks for posting this darlin!! This is GREAT~~sure hope I can get this website online!!The show sounds like it is going to be a FABULOUS show.
Pam

[Maria]

Thanks, Lani.

[sandra lessik]

Are we going to be able to get this on line
in the united States? I sure hope so.


Maniluv, Sandy

[Jellibean/Beanz]

Good day Lana, I was thinking that when Barry does this radio show and for the ones who might not be able to hear it, that maybe a blog can be made about it. I am so hoping to hear that Barry is saying he is doing well with his recovery. It would be nice to hear that from him. Maybe I'll be able to listen myself, depends on the time difference, but if not thanks for posting where we can find the show.

[mary recklein]

Johnny Mercer was a genius in his own right. To do justice to his work req's a level of genius also. Barry is more talented than many credit him for. It's easier to take cheap shots.
His recover is of interest and I think it will go well. Obstacles withstanding.
Savannah is a spooky, ol' place and it typifies the spirit of the South in some ways. To say it marked him is an understatement. It's not so different than saying you can tell a "down Easter" from a Hoosier. Each area is so unique.
This could be very entertaining.