Once, Johnny Mathis was the idol of a generation, enchanting audiences with his smooth vocals and winning the hearts of teenagers nationwide.
After over sixty years of captivating performances and dominating the airwaves with his distinctive voice, the cherished singer is now preparing for his final farewell.
At the age of 89, Mathis has declared his retirement from touring and live shows, attributing this decision to his advancing age and deteriorating memory.
Although he will continue to perform through the spring as part of his Voice of Romance tour, his last performance is set for May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.
Fans hoping to see him perform after that date will be disappointed, as all shows scheduled beyond June 2025 have been officially canceled.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mathis’ team conveyed the news with profound sadness: ‘As many of you may already know, Johnny Mathis is nearing his 90th birthday this year.
Therefore, it is with heartfelt regret that we announce his retirement from touring and live concerts due to Mr. Mathis’ age and the progression of his memory issues.’
This announcement signifies the conclusion of an era for the man affectionately referred to as The Voice of Romance, a title he earned through decades of timeless love ballads that have resonated with generations.
Born in Gilmer, Texas, on September 30, 1935, and raised in San Francisco, Mathis embarked on his musical career at an early age.
With encouragement from his father, a former vaudeville performer, Mathis received classical training and was already performing professionally by the age of 13.
His father’s purchase of a used piano for $25 was a crucial investment that helped cultivate his remarkable talent.
During his upbringing in San Francisco, Mathis was deeply influenced by the city’s dynamic jazz culture. He frequently reminisced about the inspiration he drew from witnessing jazz icons perform live, with Duke Ellington being a significant lifelong influence.
Mathis once remarked, ‘Ellington was one of my heroes due to his intellect. He was a man of style, exuding sophistication without any trace of arrogance, and his music perfectly mirrored his appearance.’
His significant breakthrough occurred in 1957 with the hit ballads ‘Chances Are’ and ‘It’s Not for Me to Say.’ In that same year, he launched ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits,’ a groundbreaking album that achieved an unprecedented 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts. This remarkable accomplishment established him as one of America’s most beloved vocalists.
During his remarkable career, Mathis produced over 70 albums and achieved global sales exceeding 350 million records. His collection featured cherished hits such as Wonderful! Wonderful!, The Twelfth of Never, and a range of Christmas albums that became essential during the festive season. His smooth voice and natural romanticism garnered him a loyal fan base and an enduring position in American pop culture.
In acknowledgment of his significant contributions, Mathis was the recipient of various honors. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.
Additionally, he was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As he prepares to withdraw from the public eye, fans are contemplating the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Although he will not be performing live for much longer, his music will remain beloved and celebrated. Those who purchased tickets for any canceled performances can anticipate receiving full refunds at their original point of purchase.
As Johnny Mathis concludes a career that has impacted millions, his voice will persist in resonating through the songs that inspired love, nostalgia, and dreams. His journey exemplifies the profound influence of music and a voice that will never completely disappear.