Broadway Puzzler #22

This award winning Broadway lyricist from the South began his career as a bit player on and off Broadway. He soon won a singing competition which resulted in him replacing Bing Crosby, a singer who ultimately was to record many of his songs. But writing songs with the major composers of his day didn't deter his own singing career either.

Just who is this guy?

Yours for a better Broadway!

I second Mercer. All in favor?

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You were all successful in guessing the name of Mr. Johnny Mercer. The hidden clue was "from the South." Mercer was a 4-time Oscar winning lyricist who also holds the record for the most number one songs on the Hit Parade--14! Four of his own recordings reach the Number One status. Well over a dozen of his songs were in the Top Ten.

For Broadway Mercer wrote the lyrics to: ST. LOUIS WOMAN, TOP BANANA, and L'IL ABNER. But you know that!
He was also one of the three founders of Capital Records. Who were the other two? That's another puzzler question. LOL

Yours for a lyrical Broadway!