In Memoriam: A special interview with singer Eric Mercury (“Electric Black Man”), who was celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music biz. Plus, he released a recent single, “Bright Eyed Woman.”
Video Content: Eric Mercury with Anthony Aramouni (2019)
In the revised TV interview, SIDEWALKS host Sonia Lowe talked to Eric Mercury about his 50th anniversary in the music industry, his first album (“Electric Black Man”), and writing music with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Also, composer Anthony Aramouni joined Eric and Sonia to talk about collaborating with Eric with the single, “Bright Eyed Woman,” he wrote and produced.
(The music video, “Bright Eyed Woman,” is showcased briefly on the online version of the TV episode. Watch the full music video below.)
Video Content: Online Bonus with Eric Mercury with Anthony Aramouni (2019)
More with Eric and Anthony about making the “Bright Eyed Woman” music video, Anthony’s career, and Eric’s thought on the music industry today.
Mini-Biographies:
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Eric Mercury was a singer, songwriter, and musician. Before his solo career, Mercury performed with The Pharaohs and Eric Mercury & the Soul Searchers in the 1960s. He recorded his debut solo album, “Electric Black Man,” in 1969, which was followed over the years with albums “Funky Sounds Nurtured in the Fertile Soil of Memphis That Smells of Rock” (1972), “Love Is Taking Over” (1973), self-titled “Eric Mercury” (1975), and “Gimme A Call Sometime” (1981). Additionally, Mercury became a writer, composer, and producer working with numerous artists, such as Thelma Houston, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Dionne Warwick, and Kenny Rankin. Mercury appeared in the stage production of “Jesus Christ Superstar and had roles in films, “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” and “American Hot Wax.” Recently, he was an executive producer for the film, “Blue Tongues.” Mr. Mercury passed away on March 14, 2022. He was 77.
Singer, songwriter, and producer Anthony Aramouni has been writing music for the last decade. An executive producer on multiple music videos, live sessions, and concerts, his music has been featured in award-winning short films, such as “PhD Gold Digger” and “No Time to Change.” Aramouni is also the co-founder of the Montreal based film house, Film & Blues Production. He is the co-writer of the feature film “Blue Tongues.”
Interview Credits:
Recorded: May 9, 2019
Host / Producer: Sonia Lowe
Videographer: Rene Arseneau
Production Manager: Youcef Beghdadi
Editor: Richard R. Lee
Special Thanks To: Eric Mercury, Anthony Aramouni, Film & Blues, AVCO Embassy, Enterprise, Atlantic Records