The Merry Macs
| Company type | Vocal group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1920s in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Founder | Judd McMichael, Joe McMichael, Ted McMichael |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom |
| Products | Pop music recordings and performances |
Number of employees | 4 (typical quartet lineup) (Various (1920s–2000)) |
The Merry Macs were a close- and open-harmony pop music quartet with roots in both the United States and the United Kingdom, active from the 1920s through to 2000. Their legacy includes popular tracks such as "Mairzy Doats", "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition", and "Sentimental Journey", and they notably collaborated with Bing Crosby.
Originating in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group was founded by the McMichael siblings—tenors Judd (1906–1989) and Joe (1916–1944), alongside baritone Ted (1908–2001). Organist and bandleader Eddie Dunstedter of WCCO discovered them, advising they perform incognito using masks under the name The Mystery Trio.
During 1931–32, while touring with arranger-composer Joe Haymes, who rebranded them as The Personality Boys, they evolved their act. By 1933, with the addition of female vocalist Cheri McKay, they adopted the name The Merry Macs. Haymes influenced Victor Records to sign them for their initial recording sessions.
By 1936, their presence expanded to national radio broadcasts. Cheri McKay was succeeded by Helen Carroll, who was mentored by McKay to preserve the ensemble’s vocal style. Collaborations included recordings with Ray Noble's orchestra, and from 1937 they became regulars on Fred Allen's Town Hall Tonight, securing a contract for the 1938–39 season and continuing through 1940.
The Merry Macs transformed vocal harmony by incorporating tighter chord structures, impacting later groups such as The Modernaires. In 1938, they joined Decca Records, producing tracks like "Pop Goes the Weasel". Their swing rendition of "Down by the Old Mill Stream" featured in the 1939 Vitaphone musical Seeing Red, marking Red Skelton’s film debut.
In 1939, Mary Lou Cook replaced Carroll, establishing the classic lineup recognized from their Hollywood film appearances. The McMichaels alongside Cook appeared in several movies including 1940's Love Thy Neighbor and Universal Pictures’ feature film series beginning in 1941. Their most prominent cinematic role was in Ride 'Em Cowboy, an Abbott and Costello comedy interspersed with musical numbers. Around this period, Cook departed both her marriage to actor Elisha Cook, Jr. and the group.
Following Ride 'Em Cowboy, Marjory Garland took over from Cook. Garland contributed to continued chart success, married Judd McMichael, and remained a member for twenty years. During 1946–47, Imogene Lynn served as lead vocalist.
Joe McMichael passed away in 1944 due to an accidental sulfa drug overdose while on military duty. Subsequent replacements included Clive Erard, Dick Baldwin, and ultimately Vern Rowe. The configuration of Judd, Ted, Marjory, and Vern performed together until Judd’s retirement in 1964.
Post-1964 until 2000, Vern and Ted relocated The Merry Macs to England’s south coast near Salisbury before retiring in 1967. The group persisted there with members Harold Lambert, John Reg Peter, and female singer Lettice Mackenzie Campbell—who became the longest-tenured member from 1977 until their retirement in 2000. Cheri McKay holds distinction as The Merry Macs' first female vocalist during 1933–36.
Awards and recognition
In 2003, The Merry Macs earned induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Selected singles
- "Igloo" / "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" (Decca 2506, 1939)
- "In the Mood" / "Shoot the Sherbert to Me, Herbert" (Decca 2942, 1939)
- "Chopsticks" / "Too Tired" (Decca Y5397, 1940)
- "Deep in the Heart of Texas" / "Kimaneero Down to Cairo" (Decca 4136, 1942)
- "Ten Days with Baby" / "Thank Dixie for Me" (Decca 18630, 1944)
- "Anyone Can Dream" / "Baby Darlin'" (Majestic 7268, 1947)
Selected albums
- The Very Merry Macs (Capitol T850, 1957)
- Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue (Era 20006, 1957)