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Music Legend Johnny Mathis Steps Back from Touring Due to Health Concerns
Legendary singer Johnny Mathis, a celebrated vocalist with a remarkable seven-decade career, has announced his retirement from touring, citing declining health. The news brings an end to an era for the velvet-voiced crooner, though he faces this transition with characteristic optimism.
Johnny Mathis Retirement Announcement Followed by Cheerful Appearance
Just days after his retirement announcement shocked fans, Johnny Mathis was seen in Los Angeles, captured by DailyMail.com. Despite concluding his illustrious performing career, which garnered him six platinum albums, the iconic singer appeared in good spirits.
‘I Hope to be Younger, Not Older’: Mathis on Approaching 90th Birthday
“I hope to be younger, not older,” Mathis remarked as he headed to a meeting last Friday, just months before his 90th birthday in September. This comment reflects his positive outlook despite recent health challenges and his decision to retire due to advancing age and memory concerns, which were revealed in his retirement statement the previous Wednesday.
Trademark Style Remains Despite Health Setbacks
Even as he addresses escalating health issues and chooses to retreat from the limelight, Mathis’s signature sharp and fashionable style remains intact.
On his recent public appearance, Mathis sported a stylish long-sleeve blue polo shirt featuring a white collar, paired with green khaki pants, a blue baseball cap, and black Puma sneakers.
Secrets to Youthful Appearance: Exercise is Key
The acclaimed jazz singer also shared insights into his youthful appearance, attributing it to the importance of exercise in maintaining vitality.
Jovial About Retirement, Hints at New Music
Addressing his newly announced retirement, Mathis maintained a surprisingly cheerful demeanor. “Oh, you never really retire,” he quipped, as a fan in the parking area exclaimed, “My hero!”
“You just stop singing,” he added with a smile. His team clarified that while live performances would cease after his sold-out May 18th concert in Englewood, New Jersey, new music projects are still in development.
Concerts Post-May 2025 Cancelled, Refunds Issued
“While some exciting concerts are still upcoming, regretfully all Johnny Mathis concerts from June 2025 onwards are now cancelled,” his team stated on Facebook.
“Please see the notice below and contact individual venues directly for all ticket inquiries. Refunds will be processed via the original point of purchase. Thank you, Mathis Fans.”
Overwhelming Fan Support for Mathis’s Decision
Instead of facing negativity over concert cancellations, Mathis has been met with an outpouring of affection and support from fans, who have flooded the comments sections with well-wishes.
No Streaming of Final Concerts, New Music Possible
Responding to the immense support, Mathis’s team expressed gratitude: “Wow. Thank you so very much on Johnny’s behalf for your kind messages! To answer a couple of recurring questions…”
“It’s a lovely idea, but unfortunately filming or streaming the final concerts will not be possible. We’re sorry for any disappointment.”
“Johnny is only retiring from touring and concerts, so the good news is there is potentially new music in the works. Please check back for updates on this.”
“The final concerts are exclusively in the U.S., and these dates can be found on the official Johnny Mathis website listed below. Thank you again on Johnny’s behalf for all your support of his music.”
Enduring Legacy: 360 Million Records Sold
Throughout his remarkable career, Johnny Mathis has sold an astounding 360 million records globally since the 1950s. He is best known for his signature romantic ballads that have captivated generations.
Controversy: Christmas Song Censorship in 2022
However, not all of his extensive catalog has remained without controversy. His Christmas classic “When A Child Is Born,” released in 1976, faced censorship from some radio stations in December 2022. The lyric “black, white, yellow, no one knows,” was deemed racially insensitive, leading stations like Heart FM and Magic Radio to edit out the word “yellow” from the broadcast.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Gilmer, Texas, in 1935, Johnny Mathis was one of seven siblings. His parents, both domestic workers, instilled a deep appreciation for music in him. His father, Clem, had a background as a singer and pianist in vaudeville.
Recognizing young Mathis’s talent, his father encouraged his musical pursuits, acquiring a piano for him and arranging lessons with voice teacher Connie Cox in exchange for household work in the late 1940s.
After six years of training under Cox, Mathis embarked on a highly successful career as a romantic vocalist, also exploring genres including pop, Latin American, soul, R&B, Tin Pan Alley, soft rock, country, blues, show tunes, and even disco in the 1970s.
Discovery at the Black Hawk Club
Mathis’s breakthrough came when he was discovered at the Black Hawk Club in San Francisco while performing with a friend’s jazz sextet. The club owner alerted executives at Columbia Records, which led to his signing.
Since the 1950s, Mathis has released an impressive 73 studio albums, with 10 achieving Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of 500,000 units.
Furthermore, six of his albums reached Platinum status, signifying one million sales, and an additional six albums attained multiple-platinum status.
Grammy Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement
Johnny Mathis’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades.
He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for three separate recordings:
- “Chances Are” (1998)
- “Misty” (2002)
- “It’s Not For Me To Say” (2008)
Billboard Chart Success and Lifetime Honor
Mathis achieved a rare feat, joining icons like Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, and Prince, by having five albums simultaneously on the Billboard charts.
In recognition of his monumental career, Mathis received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Personal Life: Coming Out Journey
In 1982, Mathis faced death threats after publicly acknowledging his homosexuality in an interview with US Magazine, stating, “Homosexuality is a way of life that I’ve grown accustomed to.”
Decades later, in 2017, Mathis openly discussed his experience and the backlash he received after coming out as gay in an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning.