Jerry Mercer (born October 12, 1935) is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known for his work in the country music genre, but he has also recorded songs in the pop, gospel, and folk genres. Mercer has written or co-written over 1,000 songs, of which over 200 have been recorded by other artists. He has also produced over 50 albums for other artists.
Mercer was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee, but he grew up in nearby Madison. He began singing and playing guitar at an early age, and he formed his first band, The Blue Ridge Boys, while still in high school. After graduating from high school, Mercer moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He quickly found work as a session musician and songwriter, and he soon began writing songs for some of the biggest names in country music, including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline.
In 1960, Mercer released his debut solo album, The Legend of Jerry Mercer. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Mercer as a major force in country music. Over the next few years, Mercer released a string of hit singles, including "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," "Cotton Candy," and "You Are My Sunshine." In 1965, Mercer won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance for his song "Cotton Candy."
In addition to his solo success, Mercer has also enjoyed a successful career as a songwriter. He has written or co-written over 1,000 songs that have been recorded by other artists. Some of his most famous songs include "Ode to Billy Joe" (Bobby Gentry), "Harper Valley PTA" (Jeannie C. Riley), and "Behind Closed Doors" (Charlie Rich). Mercer has also written songs for films and television shows, including the theme song for the popular television series The Waltons.
In addition to his singing and songwriting, Mercer has also produced over 50 albums for other artists. Some of the artists he has produced include Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and The Statler Brothers. Mercer's production work has earned him numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards.
Jerry Mercer is one of the most successful and influential figures in country music history. His songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in the industry, and he has won numerous awards for his work. Mercer's legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations of country music fans for years to come.
Year | Award | Song |
---|---|---|
1965 | Best Country Vocal Performance | "Cotton Candy" |
1970 | Best Folk Recording | "Ode to Billy Joe" |
1974 | Best Producer of the Year | "Behind Closed Doors" |
Year | Inducted |
---|---|
1992 | Jerry Mercer |
Year | Inducted |
---|---|
2001 | Jerry Mercer |
Jerry Mercer was once asked how he came up with the idea for the song "Ode to Billy Joe." He said that he was driving down a highway in Mississippi when he saw a young man standing on a bridge. The man was holding a gun and was about to jump. Mercer stopped his car and talked to the man for a while. The man told Mercer that his name was Billy Joe and that he was going to jump because he had lost his girlfriend. Mercer talked Billy Joe out of jumping, and the two of them became friends. A few months later, Mercer wrote "Ode to Billy Joe" about their meeting.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little kindness to save a life.
Jerry Mercer was once performing at a concert in Las Vegas when he saw a man in the audience who was heckling him. The man was shouting out rude comments and was trying to ruin the show. Mercer stopped singing and said to the man, "Sir, I'm trying to do my job here. If you don't want to listen, then please leave." The man refused to leave, so Mercer said, "Fine. I'll leave." Mercer then walked off the stage and left the man in the audience all by himself.
Don't let other people ruin your day. Stand up for yourself and walk away from negativity.
Jerry Mercer was once asked what he thought was the most important thing in life. He said, "Love. Love is the most important thing in life. It's what makes us human. It's what makes us care for each other. It's what makes us want to make the world a better place."
Love is the most important thing in life. Cherish it, nurture it, and share it with others.
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