Battle of the songs

By Tom Quiner

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YFT8MixHSE]

I ran across a wonderful YouTube clip of the Tonight Show featuring its founder, Steve Allen.

Steve Allen was a singular talent: actor, television personality, composer, writer, and comedian. He could do it all. Before there was Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno, Johnny Carson, and Jack Paar, there was Steve Allen.

In the clip above, he engages in a “battle of the songs” with legendary song lyricist, Johnny Mercer. Mr. Mercer, who founded Capital Records, wrote too many hit songs to recount here, but Moon River, Satin Doll, and The Days of Wine and Roses are among his most memorable collaborations.

Enjoy a little slice of nostalgic fun with a couple of masters of their craft.