Johnny Mathis, once the most beloved singer in America and a teenage heartthrob, is officially preparing to say farewell to the stage after more than six decades of enchanting audiences with his signature smooth voice and romantic ballads. Now 89 years old, the legendary performer—best known for timeless hits like “Misty” and “Chances Are”—has announced his retirement from touring due to age-related issues and memory decline.
Although he will continue his current “Voice of Romance” tour through spring, his final performance is scheduled for May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Sadly for fans who hoped to catch him live later this year, Mathis’ team has confirmed that all shows planned beyond June 2025 have been canceled. In an emotional statement released on a Wednesday, his team 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.” This heartfelt message signals the end of a remarkable era, as Mathis has long been admired for his ability to deliver romantic songs with effortless grace and deep emotional resonance. Born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, California, Mathis showed early signs of musical talent. His father, a vaudeville performer and pianist, recognized his son’s gift and bought him an old upright piano for $25—around $447 today—to nurture his love for music. Mathis began studying classical voice and started performing professionally by the time he was 13.
As a young man growing up in San Francisco, he was deeply inspired by legendary jazz artists, particularly Duke Ellington, who Mathis once described as a personal hero for his intelligence, elegance, and sophistication. “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,” Mathis recalled in a 1990 interview. Mathis had his breakthrough in 1957 when he released “Chances Are” and “It’s Not for Me to Say,” two chart-topping singles that helped solidify his place in pop music history.
That same year, he released the album “Johnny’s Greatest Hits,” which remained on the Billboard charts for an astounding 490 consecutive weeks, setting a record and securing his legacy as a music icon. Over the course of his career, Mathis released more than 70 albums and sold over 350 million records worldwide, earning him a place among the best-selling recording artists of all time. His most cherished songs, including “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “The Twelfth of Never,” along with his beloved holiday albums, have become timeless staples in American homes.
His unique ability to evoke deep emotion through his warm, mellow voice earned him the nickname “The Voice of Romance,” a title that has stuck with him throughout his illustrious journey. Mathis’ influence has extended far beyond commercial success—he has been honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2003, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in American music.
As he prepares for his final curtain call, Mathis has reassured fans that tickets for canceled performances will be refunded at the original point of purchase. He was recently seen out in Beverly Hills in October 2024, and while he may be stepping back from the spotlight, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to shine. Johnny Mathis has given the world decades of music that speak to the heart, and while he may no longer be touring, his voice and songs will live on, reminding us all of the beauty of love, longing, and sentimentality. Here’s to Johnny Mathis, a true icon whose music will forever echo in our hearts.
