Johnny Mathis, once the most beloved singer in America and a teen idol of his time, is now preparing to take his final bow. After more than sixty years of serenading the world with his velvet-smooth voice and unforgettable songs like “Misty” and “Chances Are,” the legendary crooner is stepping away from the spotlight at the age of 89.
Citing advancing age and struggles with memory decline, Mathis has officially announced his retirement from performing live. His devoted fans will still have one last chance to see him on stage during the remaining dates of his “Voice of Romance” tour, which will wrap up on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Beyond that, all future performances scheduled after June 2025 have been officially canceled, leaving fans with a bittersweet farewell. In a heartfelt statement released by his team, they shared, “As many of you may know, Johnny Mathis is nearing his 90th birthday this year.
It is with deep sadness that we announce his retirement from touring and live performances due to Mr. Mathis’ advancing age and memory challenges.” For many, this news marks the end of an era. Mathis is more than just a singer—he’s a symbol of love, elegance, and timeless music that has played in the background of countless memories across generations. Born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, California, Mathis was introduced to music at a young age.
His father, a vaudeville performer and pianist, recognized his son’s talent early on and bought him an old upright piano for just $25—about $447 in today’s money. That simple act of support launched a career that would span over seven decades. Mathis began studying classical voice and gave his first professional performance at the age of 13. While growing up in San Francisco, he was exposed to jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, who became one of his personal heroes. Mathis once reflected in a 1990 interview, “Ellington was one of my heroes because of his intellect. He was a stylish man, sophisticated without being pompous or arrogant, and his music absolutely reflected his appearance.” It didn’t take long for Mathis to rise to national fame.
In 1957, he hit the top of the charts with “Chances Are” and “It’s Not for Me to Say,” both of which quickly became iconic. That same year, he released “Johnny’s Greatest Hits,” a landmark album that stayed on the Billboard charts for 490 consecutive weeks—a record at the time. From then on, Mathis’ voice became synonymous with love songs and nostalgia. Over the years, he released more than 70 albums and sold over 350 million records worldwide. His holiday music, including beloved renditions of Christmas classics, further solidified his place in American culture. His timeless songs, such as “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “The Twelfth of Never,” have remained fixtures in the playlists of those who appreciate romance and sentimentality.
The music world has not overlooked Mathis’ immense contributions. In 2003, he was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. These accolades reflect not just his success but his influence on music history. As Mathis prepares to exit the stage, his team has confirmed that fans holding tickets to canceled shows will receive full refunds at their original point of purchase.
This thoughtful gesture is a final testament to how deeply Mathis and his team care for the people who have supported him for decades. On October 29, 2024, he was seen out and about in Beverly Hills, still exuding the calm presence that has always set him apart. Even as he faces the challenges of aging and memory decline, Johnny Mathis remains a picture of grace. While he may be retiring from the stage, his music will continue to echo through time. His voice—soft, powerful, and full of emotion—will always be the soundtrack to love stories, quiet evenings, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to Johnny Mathis, the eternal Voice of Romance, whose legacy will never fade.
