Interview with composer and writer John Meyer

John Meyer is a New York musical theater writer and pianist. He has worked with prominent artists like Eartha Kitt, Margaret Whiting and Judy Garland, and is ready to release his new book.

Cendrine Marrouat: Hello John, thank you for answering my questions. What led you to become a writer?   

John Meyer: When I was fifteen, in high school, I used to make up funny lyrics about the teachers and make the kids laugh. This encouraged me to write real songs, and since I seemed to have a flair for the dramatic, I began to write musicals.

I got into the BMI workshop, which was a big deal at the time, giving every member the imprimatur of B'way musical director Lehman Engel, who taught the class. Now I've become a novelist, but, you know, it's all theater, it's story-telling, you just have to learn the rules of a different form. I seem to have absorbed them by osmosis, from my reading.

CM: Your upcoming and second book, "Operation Ruby Slipper," is a World War II story featuring legendary actress and singer Judy Garland as the heroine. Why such a title?

JM: When the OSS offers Judy the mission of tracking down a dangerous Nazi physicist, they tell her that — in honor of her — they're calling it 'Operation Ruby Slipper' — after the red shoes she wore in "The Wizard of Oz." I wanted a title that would immediately evoke the image of Judy, because there are a huge number of fans out there, and the numbers are growing. Every new generation wants to learn about her. This new book, I hope, will spread her legend even farther and wider.

CM: How long did it take you to write the book?

JM: Under a year. When your premise is solid, the writing goes quickly — at least for me.

I've always loved WW2 stories, and I'm a Francophile — one of the reasons I love Montreal — and writing about France was terrifically stimulating.

I wrote much of it in Montreal, each morning till lunchtime.

CM: Would you share a short extract?

JM: In the book, I've included a famous incident involving Gen. George Patton, who famously slapped a shell-shocked soldier, accusing him of faking. Judy is by the soldier's bed, singing to him, when Patton interrrupts and assails the kid. Judy, outraged, picks up a sponge-bucket and heaves it into Patton's face. Patton, dripping and infuriated, wants to court-martial her. Judy's MI6 handler, Jeremy, asks her, "Judy, What on earth possessed you?" And Judy says, "Look, it worked on the Wicked Witch."

CM: Judy Garland is also the focus of your other book, "Heartbreaker." But this time, you talk about your relationship with her. Would you tell us a little more about it?

JM: The reason Judy is my 'platform' as they call it in publishing, is that in 1969 I was introduced to her as a songwriter with a tune she might like. Not only did she like the tune, we ran off together — the surprise of my life. I then spent a harrowing eight weeks with her, trying to rescue her from her demons.

I was not successful, but I wrote the story as a memoir, "Heartbreaker." It was just re-released in 2006 — and this time around, I was able to include a CD within the book, a private rehearsal I did with Judy around the piano. She sounds great! And she tells funny stories. "Heartbreaker" and "Operation Ruby Slipper" are both available at Amazon.com.

CM: You have written songs for many great artists. Any favorite story you would like to share?

JM: The last line of my song, "I'd Like to Hate Myself in the Morning," goes: 'but what a dandy time I'll have tonight.' There was one singer, Rod Perry, who couldn't get his mouth around the word dandy — he kept singing 'but what a dainty time I'll have tonight'.

CM: You are a part-time Montrealer. Have you noticed differences between the Canadian and American artistic scenes?   

JM: It's wonderful to have the opportunity to see French artists perform, to take advantage of the Francophone aspect. Two years ago, Juliette Greco gave a concert at Theatre Maisonneuve in the Place des Arts. The Comedie Francaise as well — what a thrill! And the jazz clubs are very entertaining; I like to sit in and play and sing sometimes.

For a while I made a living like Michael Feinstein. I played in France for a summer, and picked up a few French lyrics.

CM: What is next for you?

JM: I'm about to produce a play in London, an original thriller about a French artiste (there we go again) who is driven to commit a murder. We have a marvelous Parisienne in the lead, Liliane Montevecchi. I'm looking forward to hearing the audience laugh — because it's also a comedy.

CM: Where can people find more information about you and your work?

JM: My website is Meyertunes.com.  And I also have a blog. 

CM: Any last words?

JM: I was given not only some ability, but a sense of mission as well. I feel I was put on this earth to deliver entertainment, and it would be irresponsible of me not to exercise my gift. I regard this as a blessing, and urge others to develop whatever skills they possess, as it is the great satisfaction in life.

End of the interview.

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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com