Johnny Mathis
USA- Biography of Johnny Mathis
- Early Musical Talent
- American Pop Music Icon
- Early Career and Success
- Recording Success and Film Appearances
- Breakthrough and Continued Success
- Versatile Music Career
- Awards and Recognition
Biography of Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis, an American pop music performer, was born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas. He was the fourth of seven children in his family. When Johnny was a child, his family moved to San Francisco, California, where he grew up. His father was involved in vaudeville for a while, and when he noticed Johnny's musical inclination, he immediately bought him a piano.
Early Musical Talent
Johnny learned to play the piano and sing. Soon, he was giving home concerts and participating in school and church events. He took vocal lessons from Connie Cox for six years. In his youth, Mathis also had a passion for athletics, particularly track and field.
American Pop Music Icon
Johnny Mathis is a renowned American pop music performer. He was one of the first artists to combine jazz, big band, and popular music in his songs. His 1956 hit, "Wonderful! Wonderful!" is still considered a classic example of this fusion. In the late 1960s, Mathis successfully arranged songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. His powerful baritone voice has not diminished over the years, and today Johnny Mathis is still regarded as an outstanding musician, whose career is only surpassed by Frank Sinatra.
Early Career and Success
In 1954, Johnny enrolled at San Francisco State University with plans to become an English and physical education teacher. However, fate had other plans. Mathis started performing at Ann Dee's 440 Club, where he was noticed by George Avakian, a renowned jazz producer. A choice had to be made between sports and music, and he chose the latter. In 1956, his first recordings were released. Around the same time, Mathis developed a passion for golf and achieved considerable success in the sport.
Recording Success and Film Appearances
Mathis' first jazz album, "A New Sound In Popular Song," did not enjoy significant success. His second album, recorded on Columbia Records, consisted of romantic ballads. In 1956, Mathis recorded some of his best songs, including "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "It's Not For Me To Say." That same year, he signed a contract with MGM. In 1957, Mathis sang the theme song for the film "Lizzie" and later recorded the track "A Certain Smile" for the film of the same name. He also had small roles in both movies. Mathis made his television debut on the "Ed Sullivan Show," where he was hailed as the possessor of a velvet voice.
Breakthrough and Continued Success
In 1958, "Johnny's Greatest Hits" was released, becoming the first "super hit" album in the music industry. The album spent an unprecedented 490 weeks (nine and a half years) on the Billboard album chart. Mathis' achievement earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. At the same time, five of his albums were on the Billboard charts. By this time, he had achieved absolute popularity, with a career rivaled only by Frank Sinatra. In 1962-63, Mathis recorded two super hits, "Gina" and "What Will Mary Say," which topped the charts for a long time.
Versatile Music Career
Mathis later signed contracts with Jon Mat Records & Rojon Productions, Inc. He continued to perform in concerts, appeared in theaters and on television, and engaged in philanthropy. Although he is often described as a romantic singer, his discography includes jazz, pop, Brazilian and Spanish music, soul, R&B, soft rock, Broadway, Tin Pan Alley standards, blues, and country compositions. Mathis is also associated with holiday music, having released nine Christmas albums.
Awards and Recognition
Johnny Mathis has received three Grammy Awards for his contributions to the music industry.
