[2][3] In 1959, he recorded "Tracy's Theme", an instrumental written by Robert Ascher which was used in a new NBC production of The Philadelphia Story.
The production company thought the tune had hit potential, so they worked out a deal with Columbia Records to issue it as a single.
Devon Music, the publishing firm of Talent Associates owned by David Susskind and Howie Richmond at the time, created a fictitious artist named Spencer Ross, and retained ownership of the pseudonym for potential future use.
He was also responsible for many of Aretha Franklin's early recordings at Columbia, including her 1964 tribute album to Dinah Washington, Unforgettable.
[9] According to writer Ursula Rivera, Mersey "was able to provide musical arrangements that highlighted Aretha's unique voice whether she was singing a noisy blues number or a heartbreaking ballad.