Once upon a time, Johnny Mathis was the heartthrob of a generation, his smooth vocals captivating audiences and melting teenage hearts across the country. After more than sixty years of gracing stages and filling the airwaves with his unmistakable voice, the beloved singer is now preparing for his final curtain call.
At 89 years old, Mathis has announced his retirement from touring and live performances, citing his age and worsening memory issues. While he will continue performing through spring as part of his Voice of Romance tour, his final performance is scheduled for May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Fans hoping to see him beyond that window will be disappointed, as all performances scheduled after June 2025 have officially been canceled.
In a statement released Wednesday, Mathis’ team shared the news with deep regret:
“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.”
The announcement marks the end of an era for the man affectionately known as The Voice of Romance, a title earned through decades of iconic love ballads that have defined generations.
Born in Gilmer, Texas, on September 30, 1935, and raised in San Francisco, Mathis began his musical journey at a young age. With the support of his father—himself a former vaudeville singer—Mathis received classical training and was performing professionally by the time he was 13. His father bought a used piano for $25, an investment that proved pivotal in nurturing his extraordinary talent.
Growing up in San Francisco, Mathis was immersed in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. He often recalled being inspired by watching jazz legends perform live, with Duke Ellington standing out as a lifelong influence. “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 sounded like he looked,” Mathis once said.
His big break came in 1957 with the chart-topping ballads Chances Are and It’s Not for Me to Say. That same year, he released Johnny’s Greatest Hits, a landmark album that spent a record-setting 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts. It was a feat unmatched at the time and solidified his status as one of America’s most cherished vocalists.
Throughout his extraordinary career, Mathis released more than 70 albums and sold over 350 million records worldwide. His repertoire included beloved classics like Wonderful! Wonderful!, The Twelfth of Never, and a series of Christmas albums that became staples of the holiday season. His velvety tone and effortless romanticism earned him a devoted following and a permanent place in the fabric of American pop culture.
In recognition of his contributions, Mathis received numerous accolades. In 2003, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards. He was also inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Now, as he prepares to step away from the spotlight, fans are reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind. Though he won’t be performing live much longer, his music will continue to be cherished and celebrated. Ticket holders for any of the canceled performances can expect full refunds through their original point of purchase.
As Johnny Mathis bows out from a career that has touched millions, his voice will continue to echo through the songs that made us fall in love, remember, and dream. His journey is a testament to the power of music—and to a voice that will never truly fade.
