Johnny Mathis, once hailed as America’s most popular singer and a teen heartthrob, is officially saying goodbye to the stage. After more than sixty years of serenading audiences with his smooth, velvety voice and unforgettable romantic ballads, the legendary crooner is retiring at the age of 89.
Known for timeless classics like “Misty” and “Chances Are,” Mathis has announced that his current “Voice of Romance” tour will be his final one, with his last performance set for May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. While fans had hoped to see more of him past June 2025, his team has confirmed that all performances scheduled after that date have been canceled due to his advancing age and struggles with memory loss.
The official statement, released on a Wednesday, expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans and shared the emotional news: “As many of you may know, Johnny Mathis is nearing his 90th birthday this year. It is with deep sadness that we announce his retirement from touring and live performances due to Mr. Mathis’ advancing age and memory challenges.” It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed his career for decades, as Mathis has become a symbol of timeless romance and musical elegance.
Born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, California, Mathis showed a passion for music at an early age. Encouraged by his father, who was a vaudeville performer and pianist, Mathis began training in classical music and gave his first professional performance when he was just 13 years old. His father bought him an old upright piano for $25—equivalent to about $447 today—to help him pursue his dream. While growing up, Mathis drew inspiration from local jazz legends, especially Duke Ellington, whom he admired for his intelligence, sophistication, and musical brilliance.
Reflecting on his admiration, Mathis once said in 1990, “Ellington was one of my heroes because of his intellect. He was a stylish man, sophisticated without being pompous or arrogant, and his music absolutely reflected his appearance.” Mathis’s big break came in 1957 when he released back-to-back hits like “Chances Are” and “It’s Not for Me to Say.” These songs not only topped the charts but also cemented his place in pop music history. That same year, his album “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” made history by remaining on the Billboard charts for an astonishing 490 consecutive weeks.
From that moment on, Mathis’s success skyrocketed. Over his lifetime, he has released more than 70 albums and sold over 350 million records around the world. His holiday albums, along with beloved songs like “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “The Twelfth of Never,” have become a staple in American homes, especially during the holiday season. His unique vocal style and heartfelt delivery earned him the nickname “The Voice of Romance,” a title that fits perfectly with his decades-long dedication to love songs and emotional ballads. Mathis’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards, honoring his incredible impact on the industry.
He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. As he prepares to take his final bow, Mathis has assured fans that refunds for any canceled shows will be processed through the original point of purchase. He was recently spotted out in Beverly Hills on October 29, 2024, still graceful and dignified despite the challenges he’s now facing. His decision to step away from the spotlight may be heartbreaking, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly. Johnny Mathis has not only shaped the world of music with his unmatched voice and emotional depth, but he has also provided the soundtrack to so many love stories, family traditions, and unforgettable memories. As he prepares for his farewell, we celebrate a man whose voice will echo in the hearts of fans forever. Here’s to Johnny Mathis, the one and only Voice of Romance, whose music will live on long after the final curtain falls.
