Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis is a renowned American singer of Traditional pop and Vocal jazz known for his smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like Chances Are and The Twelfth of Never. With a career spanning over six decades, he has collaborated with numerous legendary artists, including Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Barbra Streisand. Mathis has performed at various prestigious venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and has been recognized by the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards. He has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early Life and Career

Johnny Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas, to Clem Mathis and Mildred Boyd, and grew up in a musical family, influenced by his father, a gospel singer, and his mother, a Blues enthusiast. He began singing at a young age, performing in local talent shows and church choirs, and was later discovered by George Avakian, a renowned record producer at Columbia Records. Mathis's early career was shaped by his work with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Billie Holiday, and he was also influenced by the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. He attended San Francisco State University and was a member of the San Francisco State Gators track and field team, but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in music, performing at venues like the Copacabana and the Greek Theatre.

Music Style and Influences

Johnny Mathis's music style is characterized by his smooth, soulful voice and his ability to blend Jazz, Blues, and pop genres. He has been influenced by a wide range of artists, including Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, and has also been compared to other legendary singers, such as Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. Mathis has worked with numerous notable record producers, including Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, and Burt Bacharach, and has performed with iconic orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His music has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Ed Sullivan Show, and he has also performed at events like the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards.

Discography

Johnny Mathis has released over 70 studio albums and has had numerous hit singles, including Wonderful! Wonderful!, It's Not for Me to Say, and Too Much, Too Little, Too Late, a duet with Deniece Williams. His albums have been released on various record labels, including Columbia Records, Mercury Records, and Verve Records, and have featured collaborations with artists like Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, and Patti Austin. Mathis has also released several live albums, including Johnny Mathis in Person: Recorded Live at Las Vegas Hilton and Johnny Mathis: Live at Hollywood Bowl, and has been featured on various compilation albums, such as The Greatest Hits and The Very Best of Johnny Mathis.

Awards and Legacy

Johnny Mathis has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. He has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has also been recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Mathis has performed at various high-profile events, including the Inauguration of Barack Obama and the Funeral of Frank Sinatra, and has been named one of the Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone and Billboard. He has also been honored by the City of San Francisco and the State of Texas for his contributions to music and the arts.

Personal Life

Johnny Mathis is known for his private and low-key personal life, but has been open about his experiences as a Gay man in the music industry. He has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the United Service Organizations, and has performed at numerous benefit concerts and charity events. Mathis has also been a long-time resident of Beverly Hills, California, and has been involved in various real estate ventures and business investments, including partnerships with Donald Trump and Ronald Perelman. He has been recognized for his philanthropic work by organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the GLAAD Media Awards, and has also been honored by the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles for his contributions to the arts and the community. Category:American singers