There was a time when Johnny Mathis set hearts aflutter as America’s most beloved crooner, the very definition of teenage dreams.
Now, after 65 years of wrapping audiences in his velvet vocals, the man behind timeless classics like “Misty” and “Chances Are” is ready for his last encore. The 89-year-old music icon has made the difficult decision to retire, citing the natural challenges of aging and memory concerns.
A Farewell Tour
Mathis will complete his “Voice of Romance” tour this spring, with his final scheduled performance set for May 18 at New Jersey’s Bergen Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately for devoted fans, all concerts planned beyond June 2025 have been canceled, marking the true end of an era.
A Heartfelt Announcement
The official statement released Wednesday carried emotional weight:
“We know many of you have noticed Johnny Mathis approaching his 90th birthday this year. It’s with heavy hearts we share that due to Mr. Mathis’ age and progressing memory challenges, he will retire from touring and live performances.”
From Texas to Stardom
Born September 30, 1935 in Gilmer, Texas and raised in San Francisco, Mathis crafted his signature sound from an early age. His musical journey began at just 13, nurtured by his father – a vaudeville performer who invested 25(about447 today) in an old upright piano to cultivate his son’s extraordinary gift.
The young Mathis found inspiration in San Francisco’s vibrant jazz scene, particularly drawn to the genius of Duke Ellington. “Ellington was my hero because of his brilliant mind,” Mathis once reflected. “His music perfectly matched his elegance – sophisticated but never pretentious.”
As this musical titan prepares to leave the stage, his recordings ensure that golden voice will continue serenading generations to come. The curtain may be falling, but Johnny Mathis’ legacy as the definitive Voice of Romance will never fade.
