Mertis John Detroit, Michigan, USA

Mertis is a Detroiter who grew up on the east side of the city, born into a musical family of six boys and three girls. One of the boys being the late and famous singer Little Willie John.After learning to sing as a very young boy at home, he began his formal musical training at Duffield Elementary School where he studied the violin. However, the violin didn't suit him, so after graduating to Cleveland Jr. High, he switched to the trombone. He played the trombone through junior high and high school, also sung in the school choirs. He was singing with his brothers and sisters all of that time as well.After graduating from Pershing High School, he enrolled in Wayne State University for one year, then was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon returning from service, he enrolled in the Detroit Conservatory of Music. He studied there for two years on the piano to become a writer.In the meantime, his brother, Little Willie John, was becoming a recording star. That fitted into Mertis' plans because Mertis was becoming a writer, so he began to write for Willie. The very first song he wrote for him, "Need Your Love So Bad," became a national hit. Other hits for Willie and other artists followed.

Click here to listen to If I Were The President

If I Were The President If I were the President, this would be the best nation in which to live I would be sensitive to the needs of the people... Instead of having them...give, give, and give I would serve the people by doing what's best for all to live, and let live Who is best for the country... Democrat, Republican, or Independent Well...they are all the same, no matter what they claim They are only interested in political fame, and spreading his name And big money always comes with his political fame Yes, he will work for you, if you let him do whatever he wants... Or you are his family, friend, or supports what he wants Congress makes the laws, but that should be done by all the people For what they do, fits only them, and a few... But not in the best interest of the people... you Most say they want a national health care plan But they don't want to give it to me, and you They already have it, for them... but what about, me and you Why won't they say, well we won't have it until we can give it to you too They make the laws you know, so if they work for all the people Why don't they give up some of their goodies And pass them on to those in need... you and me Then let us see... you really work for the people... you and me We hear a lot of talk from you from year to year So if the people of this country are to you, so dear Start working to make it better for all... Not just for only those to you, that are near I'm crying out to you, these words, I hope you hear This country needs people who will serve, and be true To all of it's people...not merely a few Here, I have tried to simply convey, this much needed message to you I would work hard, to make our nation, the envy of the world Not by talking, but by all working together, our nation would be a pearl Yes, it's true, this nation is great, and would be greater too If congress truly, worked for you... and I tell you That's what I would do for you... If I were the President

For more information and book orders please write Mertis at:

P.O.Box 21748
Detroit, MI 48221

All poems Copyright © 1997 Metis John. All rights reserved.