Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis: A Timeless Voice with a Legacy of Love and Controversy
In the tapestry of popular music, Johnny Mathis stands tall as a legendary vocalist whose voice has captivated audiences for over six decades. Known for his velvety baritone and impeccable phrasing, Mathis has etched an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Early Life and Career:
Born John Royce Mathis in San Francisco, California, on September 30, 1935, Mathis displayed an early affinity for music. As a young boy, he sang in the local church choir and developed a deep love for the classics.
In 1956, Mathis's vocal prowess caught the attention of George Avakian, an A&R executive at Columbia Records. Avakian signed the young singer to a contract, and Mathis's career soared with the release of his debut album, "Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Music."
Breakthrough and Iconic Hits:
Mathis's breakthrough came with the 1957 single "Chances Are," which became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks. The success of "Chances Are" catapulted Mathis to stardom, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers of his time.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mathis released a string of iconic hits, including "It's Not for Me to Say," "Misty," "What a Wonderful World," and "My Love for You." His voice became synonymous with love and romance, and he earned the moniker "Mr. Easy Listening."
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite his immense success, Mathis faced challenges and controversies throughout his career. In the early 1960s, he was criticized for his refusal to sing controversial songs during the Civil Rights Movement. Mathis maintained that his music was about love and unity, and he wanted to avoid divisive topics.
In 2010, Mathis revealed in his autobiography that he is gay. This disclosure came as a surprise to many fans, as Mathis had kept his personal life private for decades. The revelation sparked both admiration and support from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some backlash from those who held homophobic views.
Discography:
Johnny Mathis has an extensive discography that spans over 60 albums, including:
* Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Music (1956)
* Chances Are (1957)
* It's Not for Me to Say (1958)
* Misty (1959)
* Johnny's Greatest Hits (1960)
* What a Wonderful World (1963)
* My Love for You (1964)
* Love Is Blue (1968)
* Mathis Is... (1972)
* Fields of Gold (1993)
* Johnny Mathis Sings the Great New American Songbook (2003)
Members:
Johnny Mathis is a solo artist, and his band consists of:
* Musical Director and Pianist: John Clayton
* Bass: John Patitucci
* Drums: Jeff Hamilton
* Saxophone: Tom Scott
Legacy and Impact:
Johnny Mathis's legacy is one of timeless music and enduring impact. His voice has touched the hearts of generations, and his songs continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. Mathis has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Foundation.
As a testament to his enduring popularity, Mathis's music has been featured in countless films and television shows. He has also performed for presidents and royalty, and his voice has been heard in everything from commercials to the soundtrack of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
Johnny Mathis remains a beloved icon in the world of popular music. His voice, his songs, and his unwavering commitment to love and unity have made him a true legend, forever etched in the annals of musical history.
In the tapestry of popular music, Johnny Mathis stands tall as a legendary vocalist whose voice has captivated audiences for over six decades. Known for his velvety baritone and impeccable phrasing, Mathis has etched an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Early Life and Career:
Born John Royce Mathis in San Francisco, California, on September 30, 1935, Mathis displayed an early affinity for music. As a young boy, he sang in the local church choir and developed a deep love for the classics.
In 1956, Mathis's vocal prowess caught the attention of George Avakian, an A&R executive at Columbia Records. Avakian signed the young singer to a contract, and Mathis's career soared with the release of his debut album, "Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Music."
Breakthrough and Iconic Hits:
Mathis's breakthrough came with the 1957 single "Chances Are," which became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks. The success of "Chances Are" catapulted Mathis to stardom, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers of his time.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mathis released a string of iconic hits, including "It's Not for Me to Say," "Misty," "What a Wonderful World," and "My Love for You." His voice became synonymous with love and romance, and he earned the moniker "Mr. Easy Listening."
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite his immense success, Mathis faced challenges and controversies throughout his career. In the early 1960s, he was criticized for his refusal to sing controversial songs during the Civil Rights Movement. Mathis maintained that his music was about love and unity, and he wanted to avoid divisive topics.
In 2010, Mathis revealed in his autobiography that he is gay. This disclosure came as a surprise to many fans, as Mathis had kept his personal life private for decades. The revelation sparked both admiration and support from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some backlash from those who held homophobic views.
Discography:
Johnny Mathis has an extensive discography that spans over 60 albums, including:
* Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Music (1956)
* Chances Are (1957)
* It's Not for Me to Say (1958)
* Misty (1959)
* Johnny's Greatest Hits (1960)
* What a Wonderful World (1963)
* My Love for You (1964)
* Love Is Blue (1968)
* Mathis Is... (1972)
* Fields of Gold (1993)
* Johnny Mathis Sings the Great New American Songbook (2003)
Members:
Johnny Mathis is a solo artist, and his band consists of:
* Musical Director and Pianist: John Clayton
* Bass: John Patitucci
* Drums: Jeff Hamilton
* Saxophone: Tom Scott
Legacy and Impact:
Johnny Mathis's legacy is one of timeless music and enduring impact. His voice has touched the hearts of generations, and his songs continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. Mathis has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Foundation.
As a testament to his enduring popularity, Mathis's music has been featured in countless films and television shows. He has also performed for presidents and royalty, and his voice has been heard in everything from commercials to the soundtrack of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
Johnny Mathis remains a beloved icon in the world of popular music. His voice, his songs, and his unwavering commitment to love and unity have made him a true legend, forever etched in the annals of musical history.