Friday Night is Mercer Night (on Radio 2).

Liz, and indeed Valerie and Jimmy Mac, has drawn my attention to Friday's (the 13th) tribute by Radio 2 to Johnny Mercer.

One of the most prolific lyricists - and no mean composer - Mercer's contribution to the Gasbook is without question - as I type I'm listening to Richie Kamuka blowing on "Harlem Butterfly" - just one of his many jazz influenced tunes.

The Radio 2 programs run from 7:00 pm until 10:30 pm.

7:00 has Clarke Peters talking and playing examples from Mercer's early days. This may well be the most interesting section.

7:30 is from the Mermaid Theatre and our old friend Curtis Stigers comperes and croons.

9:15 sees Barry Manilow hogging the mic to talk about the melodies he added to some of Johnny's leftover lyrics. This was done at the request of the composer's widow.

Andy Williams' name has also been mentioned in despatches...

Check it out here.

Lance.