Johnny Mathis married, tour, songs

<< Back

Edit Mode: Johnny Mathis

Email *

If we need to contact you, we will contact you on this email.

Full Name *

Your name please so that we can credit your work.

Main Text *

<h2>Early Life and Musical Beginnings</h2>
<p>John Royce "Johnny" Mathis, born in September 1935 in Gilmer, Texas, is a renowned American singer best known for his smooth vocal style that earned him the nickname "the velvet voice." Raised in San Francisco, Mathis began his musical career performing with friends during weekend nights at local bars. His early exposure to diverse musical styles laid the foundation for his versatile repertoire, which includes Brazilian pop, soul, blues, jazz, country, and disco.</p>

<p>During one of his early performances, Mathis impressed the owner of the Black Hawk Club in San Francisco, who introduced him to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Avakian">George Avakian</a>, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Avakian">producer</a> at Columbia Records. Captivated by Mathis’s voice, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Avakian">Avakian</a> quickly arranged for a contract, requesting that the paperwork be sent immediately and even signed a blank contract in anticipation. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Mathis's professional career, leading him to New York City, where he secured an apartment and began recording.</p>

<h2>Breakthrough and Musical Success</h2>
<p>In 1957, Mathis released his debut album, <em>Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Song</em>. Adjusting his vocal style toward a slower, more romantic tone, he soon found commercial success with hits such as "It's Not for Me to Say" and "Wonderful! Wonderful!" These songs solidified his place in the popular music scene during the late 1950s.</p>

<p>That same year, he made a brief foray into acting with an appearance in the MGM television film <em>Lizzie</em>. He followed with a role in <em>A Certain Smile</em>, which featured a song of the same name. Although he pursued acting on a limited scale, his music was already the primary driver of his fame. Appearances on shows such as <em>The Ed Sullivan Show</em> further boosted his visibility and acclaim.</p>

[page-break]

<h2>Chart Success and Recognition</h2>
<p>In 1958, Mathis reached a new milestone with the release of <em>Johnny's Greatest Hits</em>, one of the earliest greatest hits albums in pop music history. The album spent an unprecedented 490 weeks—nearly nine years—on the Billboard Top Albums chart, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.</p>

<p>That year also marked his move back to California, where he continued to build on his musical achievements. Known for his impeccable vocal control and romantic ballads, Mathis became one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Additional Interests</h2>
<p>In addition to his success in music, Mathis excelled in athletics. A talented high jumper, he once placed high enough at a U.S. Olympic trials event in 1956 to be considered for the team, though he ultimately pursued his music career instead. To this day, he remains passionate about sports and is an avid golfer.</p>

<p>Offstage, Mathis values quiet family time and has a well-known love for cooking. In 1982, he released a cookbook titled <em>Cooking for You Alone</em>, reflecting his interest in culinary arts.</p>

<h2>Legacy, Awards, and Influence</h2>
<p>Johnny Mathis's enduring influence on American music has garnered him numerous honors. A recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, he has also been inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. In 2006, he received the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to vocal performance.</p>

<p>Today, with an estimated net worth of around $400 million, Johnny Mathis remains a celebrated figure in the music industry. Though private about his personal relationships, he is believed to be single. His timeless voice and cross-genre appeal continue to captivate audiences worldwide, securing his legacy as one of America’s most beloved vocalists.</p>

Source *

Source you received the information from. eg. personal experiences, acquaintances, web-links, etc

Comment *

Briefly describe the changes you made.

Warning! All fields are required. Empty fields won't allow the form to be submitted and your changes will be lost.
Once the changes are submitted they cannot be edited again until your submission is reviewed.