‘Chances Are’ You Don’t Know These Fun Facts About Johnny Mathis, Who Turns 90 Today

Johnny Mathis, who in the 1950s created an enduring niche as a singer of classy romantic pop ballads, turns 90 on Tuesday (March 30). Throughout his long career, Mathis has lived up to the title of a 2017 box set, The Voice of Romance.

Mathis’s achievements go far beyond sales. He did as much as anyone of his generation to sustain the interest of contemporary audiences in pop standards. His singles discography includes his versions of such evergreens as Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust.” But Mathis resists easy pigeonholing: That same discography includes his treatments of such contemporary pop and rock hits as Ashford & Simpson’s “You’re All I Need to Get By” and Santana’s “Evil Ways.” Occasionally, it seems, Mathis liked to shed his tux.

Mathis’s camp announced on Facebook on March 26 that he would be retiring from live performances. “As many of you may already be aware, Johnny Mathis is approaching his 90th birthday this year,” the statement read. “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.” The statement concludes, “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.’”

While Mathis isn’t performing any more, his music lives on.

Grein wrote an appreciation of Mathis that appeared in the Grammy program book in 2003, the year Mathis received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. This birthday salute draws on that appreciation and additional research.