Johnny Mathis says goodbye – struggles with memory decline
When he was younger, he was the most popular singer in the country, and he was the delight of the young people.
Legendary crooner Johnny Mathis, the voice behind unforgettable classics like “Misty” and “Chances Are,” is preparing to take his final curtain call, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that has captivated audiences with his smooth, mesmerizing voice for over six decades.
At the age of 89, and after decades of enchanting audiences with his legendary voice, Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement due to age and memory loss. His final performance on the Voice of Romance tour will take place on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Centre in Englewood, New Jersey, marking the end of an era. He will continue to perform throughout the spring, delivering unforgettable moments for fans before he steps away.
For those hoping to see him after June 2025, disappointment follows as his team has confirmed that all shows scheduled beyond that date have been officially cancelled.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on Wednesday, Mathis expressed his gratitude to his devoted fans and reflected on the incredible journey that has been his career.
That Johnny Mathis is very close to reaching his 90th birthday this year is something that many of you may already be aware of.
Therefore, it is with deep regret that we are announcing Mr. Mathis’ retirement from touring and live concerts. This decision was made due to the fact that Mr. Mathis’ memory problems have become more severe as he has become older.
The man who has enchanted generations with his incomparable lyrics and velvety voice is saying goodbye in a way that is both bittersweet and bittersweet as well.
Romance’s Voice in the World
Johnny Mathis, who was born in Gilmer, Texas, on September 30, 1935, and raised in San Francisco, California, became one of the most recognisable and well-liked characters in American music thanks to his silky and romantic ballads. He soared to popularity with his sweet ballads.
Johnny Mathis’s journey to stardom began at just 13 years old, after years of studying classical music from an early age. His father, a vaudeville singer and pianist, quickly recognized his son’s extraordinary talent. Determined to nurture his gift, he purchased a weathered upright piano for only $25—a mere $447 in today’s money—laying the foundation for Mathis’s future success.
Growing up in San Francisco, Mathis was immersed in a vibrant jazz scene, rubbing shoulders with the greats performing in the city. Among them, none left a deeper mark on him than the legendary Duke Ellington. “I count Ellington as one of my heroes,” Mathis reflected in 1990, admiring Ellington’s brilliance. “He was a stylish man, sophisticated without being pompous or arrogant, and his music absolutely sounded like he looked.”
In 1957, Mathis hit his breakthrough with iconic hits like Chances Are and It’s Not for Me to Say, solidifying his place in pop music history. That same year, his album Johnny’s Greatest Hits shattered records, spending an astonishing 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts, setting a milestone that few artists could ever match.
From there, Mathis’s career soared, and his contributions to music have left an enduring legacy. With over 70 albums and more than 350 million records sold worldwide, his timeless classics like Wonderful! Wonderful! and The Twelfth of Never, as well as his beloved Christmas albums, have become synonymous with heartfelt sentiment and nostalgia, cementing Johnny Mathis as an enduring icon in the music world.
The title “The Voice of Romance” was rightfully bestowed upon Johnny Mathis, a tribute to the smooth, soothing quality of his natural voice that has captured hearts for decades.
Mathis’s remarkable career has been not only commercially successful but also richly celebrated with honors befitting his legendary status. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to music. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his induction into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame further cement his legacy as one of the greatest voices in pop music history.
As Mathis prepares for his final tour, we’re left to reflect on the indelible impact he has had on the world of music. His songs, filled with emotion and grace, will continue to touch lives for generations to come, ensuring that his legacy lives on through his timeless voice.
Fans can have peace of mind knowing that their tickets will be handled in an acceptable manner with the announcement that Mathis has made that refunds for the events that have been cancelled would be processed through the original place of purchase.
The moment that Mathis takes a step back from the stage is a moving one, but his impact on music will continue to be felt for a long time to come. Congratulations to Johnny Mathis, whose voice will remain resonant in our hearts for all time.
