Jerry Merrick has appeared in festivals and clubs since the early 1960's. A restless singer-songwriter, he forged his way across the United States and into Canada performing his pastoral 'poetic-songpieces' and folk stories in front of audiences ranging from small coffeehouses to college concerts; guesting the Newport Folk Festival, Carnegie Hall, and the Tonight Show.
In 1969 Jerry recorded an album of his songs for Mercury Records. He toured with Kenny Rankin and Flip Wilson after appearing on 'The Tonight Show' together with Kenny. At the same time, he was raising a growing family and moved to a secluded home in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Soon his songs were being performed by recording artists such as Richie Havens, B.J. Thomas and Jerry Jeff Walker. Of 'Follow,' a thoughtful, flowing piece, featured on Richie Havens' 'Mixed Bag' and again on 'Resume,' Havens wrote '. . . it became one of the biggest songs I've ever done.' This still holds true, as Richie's version of 'Follow' has been featured in a number of movies, a TV series finale - The Practice, and even an audio book. Jerry Jeff Walker recalls, 'I had a real fondness for 'Follow,' a Jerry Merrick song . . . when we all lived in the Village,' so he included it in his 'Jerry Jeff' album for Electra. Walker also recorded, 'The Stranger - He Was The Kind' on his double album for MCA 'A Man Must Carry On' as the introduction and reprise of his touching tribute to Hondo Crouch, legendary founder of Luckenbach, Texas.
Singer-songwriter Tom Ghent tipped his hat to Jerry by recording 'Guess I'll Pack My Things,' on his debut album which apparently led to the B.J. Thomas version on his hit album, 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head.' Jerry's song 'From The Prison' was recorded by Richie Havens on his second album for Verve/Folkways, 'Something Else Again' and again on his live album, 'On Stage.'
After some years, he settled in Crystal River, Florida. His latest forays into songwriting led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where 'Suddenly I'll Know You' became his first recording in 32 years. It was produced/engineered by his old friend, Tom Ghent, on Sutherland Records. Many stellar musicians contributed their talents to the project which took almost a year to complete.
Jerry Merrick died peacefully on January 2, 2019, from throat cancer.
Tracks
1. As Leaves Turn Brown - 4:01
2. Love Is A Word Token - 2:14
3. The Stranger - 1:53
4. Just Like A Spirit Shroud - 4:40
5. To Find You - 2:11
6. The Pond - 2:55
7. Follow - 7:30
8. Sweet Babe - 2:22
9. The Flowers Are Fighting - 3:21
10.Please Hold Close - 2:52
11.Please Clear The Air - 3:33
All songs by Jerry Merrick
Personnel
*Jerry Merrick - Guitar, Vocals
*Artie Schroeck - Drums
*Chet Amsterdam - Bass
*Hugh McCracken - Lead Guitar
