Johnny Mathis, a name synonymous with romance and velvety vocals, has captivated audiences for generations with his unforgettable songs. Born John Royce Mathis on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, he was the fourth of seven children to Clem and Mildred Mathis. His journey from a humble basement apartment in San Francisco to international stardom is a testament to his innate talent and unwavering dedication to music. From his early inspirations to his chart-topping hits, the story of Johnny Mathis is interwoven with the melodies that have become the soundtrack of countless love stories.
Mathis’s early exposure to music was deeply rooted in his family. His father, Clem, instilled in him a love for song, teaching him classics like “My Blue Heaven.” At eight years old, a $25 upright piano became a pivotal point in young Johnny’s life. He watched in awe as his father ingeniously dismantled and reassembled the piano in their small living room, a metaphor perhaps for the meticulous care and dedication Johnny would later apply to his own craft. Clem, who had musical experience himself, continued to nurture Johnny’s burgeoning talent, recognizing his son’s exceptional eagerness to learn and perform. Johnny’s early performances ranged from church choirs and school events to community gatherings and amateur shows, honing his skills and building his confidence in front of an audience.
At the age of 13, Johnny’s formal vocal training began under Connie Cox, a Bay Area voice teacher. For six years, in exchange for odd jobs, Mathis immersed himself in vocal scales, exercises, and the disciplines of classical and operatic techniques. This rigorous training laid the foundation for his distinctive vocal range and control, elements that would become hallmarks of Johnny Mathis Songs.
While music was a significant part of his life, Johnny also excelled in athletics at George Washington High School. He shone as a star athlete in track and field, particularly in high jump and hurdles, and was also a member of the basketball team. In 1954, he enrolled at San Francisco State College with aspirations of becoming an English and Physical Education teacher. Remarkably, he continued to excel in high jump, setting a college record of 6’ – 5 1/2”, a height that remains among the college’s top jumps and was only inches away from the Olympic record at the time. His athletic achievements frequently garnered attention in Northern California newspapers, even featuring alongside future NBA star Bill Russell in a 1954 San Francisco Chronicle article, highlighting their high-jumping prowess. Johnny was often lauded as “the best all-around athlete to come out of the San Francisco Bay Area,” showcasing his diverse talents.
However, fate intervened through a Sunday afternoon jam session at the Black Hawk nightclub, arranged by a fellow student. It was there that Helen Noga, co-owner of the club, heard Johnny sing and recognized his extraordinary potential. She offered to manage his career, marking a turning point towards his musical destiny.
In September 1955, Johnny secured weekend singing engagements at Ann Dee’s 440 Club. Helen Noga persistently advocated for him, eventually convincing George Avakian, head of Jazz A&R at Columbia Records, to witness Mathis’s performance. Avakian was instantly captivated. His now-famous telegram to Columbia Records declared: “Have found phenomenal 19 year old boy who could go all the way. Send blank contracts.” This pivotal moment set the stage for Johnny Mathis’s entry into the professional music world and the beginning of his journey creating iconic Johnny Mathis songs.
Despite the allure of a music career, Johnny initially remained committed to his studies at San Francisco State and continued to achieve athletic fame. In early 1956, he faced a momentous decision: trials for the 1956 Olympic team and a recording contract with Columbia Records. With his father Clem’s guidance, Johnny chose the recording contract, relinquishing his Olympic aspirations for a future in music. This decision proved transformative, leading him to New York in March 1956 to record his debut album.
His first album, “Johnny Mathis: A New Sound In Popular Song,” was a jazz-oriented collection of popular standards, featuring collaborations with jazz luminaries like Gil Evans, John Lewis, and Teo Macero. Although showcasing his versatility with songs like “Angel Eyes,” “Easy to Love,” and “Babalu,” the album achieved only moderate success, as jazz vocal albums were not commercially mainstream at the time. Undeterred, Johnny continued to perform in prominent nightclubs in New York, including the Village Vanguard, The Blue Angel, and Basin Street East, building his reputation and honing his performance skills.
A significant shift in Johnny Mathis’s musical direction occurred when he came under the guidance of Columbia producer Mitch Miller. Miller recognized the unique appeal of Johnny’s voice for soft, romantic ballads. In the fall of 1956, during his second recording session, Johnny recorded two singles that would catapult him to stardom and become signature Johnny Mathis songs: “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not For Me To Say.” The latter also led to his film debut, singing the song in the movie Lizzie. In 1958, he made another movie appearance in A Certain Smile, singing the title song. His voice soon became a sought-after element in Hollywood films, enhancing countless scenes with its romantic and evocative quality.
“Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not For Me To Say” peaked on the Billboard pop chart in July 1957, establishing Mathis as a major musical force. This success was followed by the iconic single “Chances Are,” which became his first #1 hit and one of the most beloved Johnny Mathis songs.
A pivotal moment in his national breakthrough was his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in June 1957. This exposure introduced Johnny Mathis to a vast television audience, transforming him into a national celebrity. Columbia Records capitalized on his rising fame, releasing albums filled with beautiful romantic ballads, classic standards, and Broadway hits. These albums mirrored the success of his singles, achieving multi-million sales. It was common for Johnny to have multiple albums simultaneously on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a testament to his widespread popularity and the enduring appeal of Johnny Mathis songs. In late 1959, he recorded “Misty,” an Erroll Garner composition that would become inextricably linked with Johnny Mathis and remains one of his most recognized and cherished songs.
Johnny Mathis’s career is punctuated by remarkable achievements and records. In 1958, just two years after signing with Columbia, “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” was released, initiating the “Greatest Hits” album concept that became standard across the music industry. This album became one of the most popular of all time, spending an unprecedented 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a record recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. His impact on popular music and the enduring legacy of Johnny Mathis songs are undeniable.
According to music historian Joel Whitburn, Johnny Mathis was among a select group of artists to have Top 40 hits across his first four decades. Remarkably, he extended this streak to every decade of his career, including a hit in 2013 with “Sending You a Little Christmas” with Jim Brickman. His second #1 hit single, “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” with Deniece Williams, arrived nearly 21 years after “Chances Are,” showcasing his sustained relevance and ability to connect with audiences across generations through Johnny Mathis songs.
Johnny Mathis has been honored with performances for numerous heads of state, including presidents of Liberia, Nicaragua, and the United States, as well as the British Royal Family. His contributions to entertainment are also recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and frequent appearances at the Oscars.
Throughout his career, Johnny Mathis has received five Grammy nominations and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame three times for “Chances Are,” “Misty,” and “It’s Not For Me To Say.” In 2003, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying his legendary status. Collaborations, such as “Over the Rainbow” with Ray Charles and the album “Isn’t It Romantic,” demonstrate his continued artistic vitality. His 50th anniversary in 2006 was marked with celebrations, including the PBS special “Wonderful, Wonderful” and the Ella Award from the Society of Singers. Further accolades include the Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award and inductions into the America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame and the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame.
Despite a demanding touring schedule and charitable commitments, Johnny Mathis enjoys golf and gourmet cooking in his free time. His passion for music, however, remains paramount. After nearly 60 years as a recording artist, Johnny Mathis’s perspective is clear: “I don’t think about retiring. I think about how I can keep singing for the rest of my life. I just have to pace myself.” This enduring dedication ensures that the timeless magic of Johnny Mathis songs will continue to enchant listeners for years to come.
