HEARD ON THE GRAPEVINE
“Merv Shiner is an inspiration to all who know him. A great performer and person who is friendly, funny, and as real as it gets. Happy 100th!” — Dave Pomeroy
Merv with friends Ray and Cheryl Belanger.
LOCAL 257'S OLDEST LIFE MEMBER
— GUITARIST MERV SHINER —
TURNS 100!
L
ocal 257’s oldest life member, guitarist Merv Shiner, celebrated his 100th birthday Feb. 20 with a festive, yet COVID-19-safe gala held near his home in Tampa, Florida. Friends and family who couldn’t be there in person called in and attended by Zoom to speak to Shiner and be part of the happy event, which included music, poems, and many recalled memories. As a special honor, AFM Local President Dave Pomeroy sent a framed proclamation which detailed the artist’s long career and many milestones. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, native is the singer of the beloved hit tune “Peter Cottontail,” which he performed on the Grand Ole Opry at Eastertime in 1950. He cut the single on the advice of Country Music Hall of Fame producer Paul Cohen, who said it would “make him a star.” The song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, who also composed “Frosty the Snowman.” Prior to the success of the song, Shiner had performed as part of a duo with his mother, appearing at shows and festivals as well as on radio programs. Over the next several 10 THE NASHVILLE MUSICIAN
Merv and Marilyn Shiner
decades Shiner continued to record and write; he also worked as a concert producer. He toured the country and played at a variety of venues. Shiner moved to Florida in the 1970s, and retired in 1997. In September of 2015 Shiner was honored with a display at the Martin Guitar Museum in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. He performed "Peter Cottontail" during a visit to the facility. Shiner continues to perform, these days with his wife Marilyn as the M&M Duo. “It’s been a wonderful 100 years,” Shiner said.
