Johnny Mercer The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has announced the schedule of events for Georgia Days 2009, to be held February 3- 14 in commemoration of the 276th anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony. Thousands of parents, students, educators, and governmental officials participate in the Society's annual statewide event.

Each year during the Georgia Days series of events, GHS honors individuals who have significantly influenced Georgia and American history. Taking a page from modern history and popular culture, the Society has named Savannah native and American music legend Johnny Mercer as Historic Honoree of the 2009 celebration.

"Next year is the centennial of Johnny Mercer's birth," says GHS President and CEO Dr. Todd Groce, "and we are pleased and proud to join others across the state as we honor this native son whose remarkable 50-year career was deeply grounded in and influenced by his Savannah and Georgia roots."

In addition to traditional events that include the Colonial Faire and Muster at Wormsloe, Super Museum Sunday, Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest, and school children, costumed characters and dignitaries parading through Savannah's historic district, the Georgia Days 2009 will feature the second annual Birthday Bash and Annual Award Gala, entitled Magic in the Moonlight.

"Our inaugural gala was a wonderfully well received success," says Laura García-Culler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Society, "and Magic in the Moonlight will provide our members and friends with a memorable, very romantic night out on February 14, Valentine's Day."

"In addition to fine dining and dancing, and the music of Johnny Mercer, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin - Washington's most captivating couple - will keynote the event with a talk entitled All's Fair in Love, War and Politics. The evening will also include Governor Sonny Perdue inducting the first new Georgia Trustees since 1749, part of an exciting new partnership between the GHS and the State of Georgia that will annually recognize in perpetuity selected Georgians who have made outstanding contributions to our state's history."

Born in downtown Savannah in 1909, young Johnny Mercer absorbed the rich musical culture of coastal Georgia. He spent time in his youth at the Pin Point Oyster Company on the Back River, later renamed Moon River, listening to songs in the Geechee dialect that would later inspire his world-famous lyrics. He wrote his first song at age 15 and, without formal musical training, went on to pen over 1,000 songs; collaborate with such well-known musical talents as Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Marvin Hamlisch, Bobby Darin, and Andre Previn; and win four Academy Awards®. As a co-founder of Capitol Records, he was instrumental in discovering and launching the careers of Nat "King" Cole, Stan Kenton and Peggy Lee, among others.

Johnny Mercer's music will be featured throughout the Georgia Days schedule. Less well known are his talents as an illustrator and painter, and the public is invited to view examples of his drawings and paintings, hear his music, and enjoy champagne and sweets at the Georgia Days Kickoff event, Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art, to be held February 3 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church on Calhoun Square in downtown Savannah.

Georgia Days Kickoff Event, Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art, will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.

In this family-friendly event, professional entertainer Jim Wann explores the life and contributions of Savannah's own Johnny Mercer by providing biographical information interspersed with musical selections from Mercer's extensive body of work, as well as personal reminiscences of Johnny collected from local Savannahians. A reception that will include a rare viewing of several of Mercer's original watercolors, as well as a display of Mercer's childhood art will continue the exploration of this multitalented artist. Enjoy a live concert of the music of 2009 Historic Honoree Johnny Mercer.

Free and open to the public.

Check www.georgiahistory. com for the latest information.