Johnny Mathis, the iconic voice behind decades of pop hits, has decided to retire due to advancing age and memory concerns. This announcement draws a close to an illustrious seven-decade journey in music.
In an emotional revelation, Johnny Mathis announces his exit from live performances, scheduling his final concert for May 2025, the New York Post reported.
At 89, Mathis has enjoyed a prolific career, captivating audiences worldwide with his melodious voice. Born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, he moved to San Francisco, where he developed his dual talents in high jumping and music. Ultimately, music won, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.
In 1956, Mathis marked his professional debut with the album "Johnny Mathis: A New Sound In Popular Song." His breakthrough followed a year later with hits like “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not For Me To Say,” which established him as a household name. His voice became synonymous with romantic ballads and holiday classics.
The zenith of his career came quickly with a Grammy nomination in 1960 for the song “Misty.” Over the years, Mathis became known for his Christmas music, enchanting fans with songs like “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Mathis' tenure with Columbia Records is the longest in the label’s history, showcasing the enduring appeal of his music. He has toured globally, bringing his distinctive sound to fans across the world, further cementing his status as a musical icon.
His most recent album, "Christmas Time Is Here," was released in 2023, showing that his creative spirit remains undimmed. Despite stepping back from touring, Mathis hints through his fan club that new music might still be on the horizon.
Planned to be part of the "2025 Voice of Romance Tour," his final live performance will occur at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ. This venue, known for its intimate setting with a capacity of just 1,367, will witness the last curtain call of Mathis on May 18, 2025. The concert tickets vanished quickly, reflecting his fans' eagerness to witness his farewell performance.
Tickets for this monumental event are currently reselling for a minimum of $474 on third-party websites, indicating the high demand and significance of this final show. Unfortunately for some fans, the final four dates of his originally planned tour have been cancelled.
A heartfelt statement from Mathis’ management on his Facebook page reads, “As many of you may already be aware, Johnny Mathis is approaching his 90th birthday this year. So, it’s with sincere regret that due to Mr. Mathis’ age and memory issues which have accelerated, we are announcing his retirement from touring and live concerts.”
Adding to the emotional moment, the statement from Mathis' team expressed gratitude towards his fans: “Johnny Mathis and his entire staff send their heartfelt gratitude to all Mathis fans worldwide for your continued love and support of his music! It’s truly been ‘Wonderful, Wonderful.’”
Mathis, who has never married or had children, plans to relax and enjoy life following his retirement after he celebrates his 90th birthday. His career leaves behind a legacy of timeless tracks and countless memories for his fans.
The impending retirement of Johnny Mathis marks the end of an era but also underscores a life well-celebrated through music. While the curtains may be closing on his live performances, the resonance of his melodic gift will linger in the hearts of many.
As the final concert approaches, fans await a bittersweet farewell to a legend whose music spanned generations and will continue to do so long after his retirement.
