Johnny Mercer is pictured with Nat “King” Cole. Photo courtesy of Special Collection and Archives Georgia State University Library, Atlanta Georgia. The West Broad Street Johnny Mercer Task Force and The Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee present a day of celebration recognizing the African American influences on the music of Johnny Mercer on Monday, November 16, 2009.

"A Morning on West Broad” (today's Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard) will begin at 10am and include neighborhood visits at the St. Philip A.M.E. Church (the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in the state of Georgia); and 10:45 a.m. at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on Alice Street.

“An Evening on West Broad: Jazz in 1930‘s style!” takes place 5–8 p.m. The public is invited for an "Unforgettable" evening of jazz and Johnny Mercer music.

Vintage autos will line the street recreating an era when West Broad Street was "King"!

Ladies and Gents, please dress in “Cotton Club” style. The event will take place at Blowin’ Smoke, 514 MLK Jr. Blvd, Savannah. Free admission. Dutch Treat menu and cash bar.

Johnny Mercer, perhaps most famous as the man who wrote the words of the southern lullaby, Moon River - is getting a posthumous lOOth birthday celebration in his hometown of Savannah, culminating with the unveiling of Johnny's life-size bronze statue. The statue unveiling ceremony takes place in Ellis Square on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.). The public is invited.

For more info, contact Tanya Milton (912) 233-6128; or Kenny Hill; kenny@riverstreetsavannah. com