The Untold Truth Of Johnny Mathis

These days, if you hear a Johnny Mathis song, it’s probably getting close to Christmas. The man’s dulcet tones have been the backdrop of countless holiday parties over the years, but there’s a lot more to the pop singer than just Christmas songs.
In fact, he never really wanted to sing the traditional pop he’s known for, hoping instead to be a jazz singer, but the record label and the fans loved his crooning. From his genre shifts to soft rock and disco to the very casual way in which he came out, let’s take a look at the untold truth of Johnny Mathis.
#JohnnyMathis #Music #Truth
Other roads | 0:00
Never Misty | 1:29
Greatest Hits | 2:19
Struggling with addiction | 3:29
Going soft | 4:38
Coming out | 5:42
The disco years | 6:59
A good sport | 8:04
On the fairway | 9:07
In the kitchen | 9:55
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/214575/the-unt...

[@GrungeHQ]

What's your favorite Johnny Mathis bop?

[@petermccallion3908]

Chances Are and It’s Not For Me to Say for sure! 🎙

[@195511SM]

'It's Not For Me to Say'. I remember my Dad had some of his albums back in the early 1960s. Probably NOT my first choice to listen to as a little kid. Interesting to hear about Mitch Miller. I remember his show 'Sing Along With Mitch'.

[@arethawhite3712]

Chances Are, Too Much, Too Little, Too Late , and Without Us the theme from Family Ties anything romantic by this awesome singer. Take care out there ok, be safe and blessed 👋💖😀🙏.

[@sandrahurst7235]

Aretha White I

[@sandrahurst7235]

K

[@tonygairomusic911]

I am a pro sax player. Since 2013, one of my regular, annual gigs is with Johnny Mathis when he's in my region. I would just like to say publicly that John is not only one of the kindest, warmest, most compassionate and friendly people I have gotten to work with/for, but that I have ever known. Musically, he is a vocal innovator and icon. Personally, he is an absolute gem of a human being. One of my life's true pleasures is being on stage backing him. I even missed one of my entrances (one time only!) because I had been transported listening to him and forgot I was at work and had a job to do.

[@JerriBerriBoBerri]

Absolutely he's all that and more. ❤

[@neenekinskins6241]

I always imagined him to be exactly like that. It just makes us like him more. Fully understand you missing your intro. The man's voice is just something else. ❤

[@barbaraperry2595]

JOHNNY MATHIS....STUNNING VOICE....LIKE NO OTHER IN A CLASS OF HIS VERY OWN

[@markdezii]

Mathis has the best voice of all time. He's also very down to earth. Love him.

[@BilgePump]

Very nice man. He was a neighbor to a long time family in California. When the dear parents were elderly and failing he paid for upkeep for the house and made sure all the bills were paid. Nobody knew what was going until after the Mom passed away and the estate was being settled. He never said a word about it to the family, he just did it. (BTW this is first hand knowledge.)

[@tired_of_u_ppl7985]

So sweet God Bless him ☺️

[@elwoodwhite2499]

As they say in life you have to take the croakiest with the straights RIP Johnny M

[@MrMaxismybaby]

Bless him!

[@RapRants]

@@NoobianBruh Your story has quite a few holes in it. 1. Johnny’s mother, Mildred Boyd Mathis died in 1963. His father, Clemmie Lorenzo Mathis died in 1974. They both died and are buried together in California. They NEVER lived in Baltimore. 2. He has no sister by the name of Debbie. His sisters were named Marguerite, Tina, Linda, and Elizabeth. 3. As for his relationship with his parents, he has always spoken highly of them in interviews. Plus, they both have a very well kept grave with an expensive tombstone. I don’t think he was ashamed of them.

[@shirleyadams8254]

@@elwoodwhite2499 up to me

[@lensquires8466]

I was 11 years old in 1964 and heard "Wonderful! Wonderful," my favorite of his songs, but all of his songs had his incomparable voice that made them memorable that you couldn't forget the melodies.

[@blueskye6372]

@Len. Same here. ✌️👌💜🙂

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

Mr Matthis has an absolutely gorgeous voice that I never tire of hearing. He's so gifted, yet not at all full of himself. I really like that. MsG

[@deborahstuart2408]

At 87 he still has the best voice I have ever heard and enjoyed his concert on Saturday at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic city New Jersey.

[@caroletoney3209]

I would love to see him in concert. He was always very sexy.

[@luciaeleen3938]

I loved Johnny Mathis since I was 11yrs old growing up in San Francisco I never had the opportunity to meet him although I heard he sang all over the city however on my 70th birthday last year my wonderful daughter gifted me with front row seats ❤️ he is the most amazing man and voice like no one he is now and forever be my all time favorite

[@ralphfusco574]

He studied to be an opera singer, one of the most melodic voices, with an octave range no other singer could accomplish. He was in a class of his own . One of the greatest.

[@toodie535]

I wonder if he ever met or sang with Kenny Rankin, another younger highly talented singer. They would have enjoyed each other's singing, I think. Rankin played mostly smaller venues like SF Fairmont Hotel, and had a dedicated legion of fans who never missed a local concert.

[@nancycurtis488]

Still is.

[@kimberlyjohnson7409]

He was and still is, an incredible talent! His sexual preference is HIS business! I love all of his songs! Blessed with amazing talent & many, many gifts!

[@plips71755]

Absolutely. I don’t want someone to ask me or say anything about my sex life why is it people think they have a right to ask about gays or worry about it. I wish it was like it use to be when people just kept it to themselves… and I mean that also for those who are gay in whatever form they are. Just keep personal stuff to yourself and let those who want to wonder well wonder away. I’m straight but I don’t want to see other straights engaged in lots of PDA. You feel like just saying - oh for heavens sake, get a room. It’s personal, keep it personal and behind closed doors.

[@caroletoney3209]

Absolutely. That's his business.

[@felixmadison5736]

Spot on! I don't care if he's an atheist, I still would love his music. The man is an American treasure and icon.

[@martinpascoe7678]

not neccassarily a 'preference' but a reality, that can sometimes be very hard

[@erichodge567]

The voice of Johnny Mathis is one of the few in pop music that left me absolutely stunned.

[@chichi6796]

When I was 16 I was madly in love with Mathis. A Certain Smile was my favorite. Such a beautiful voice.

[@FreedomDroid]

Such a heavenly voice. He's 84 years, may Life bless him with many years more. I first learned about Johnny Mathis from the hidden song on Stone Temple Pilot's "Purple" album.

[@amycrumedy6586]

A classy human being and a tremendous talent.

[@suzzieq6295]

I always loved to hear Johnny Mathis sing as I grew up on his music in the 50's and 60's. Johnny was one of my favorites, and one of the most talented singers of all time, with such a soothing voice!! I had no idea he was so talented in so many areas from singing to sports to cooking. Thanks for sharing the story of this heart warming fabulous, talented, man!!! Love you Johnny!!!

[@idachau1080]

His voice is absolutely perfect. I saw him in Manchester in the early 60's.. I was spellbound.. I still feel a tingle when I hear his voice.. beautiful as can be.

[@lynnmcclaine7683]

I love Johnny Mathis. He is my all time favorite singer. I've had the privilege of seeing him perform 4 times in 3 different states. His voice is "Heavenly."🥰

[@annince5125]

I love my John and always will, best singer ever. Nothing to do with anyone his personal life. God Bless you my John xxx

[@caroletoney3209]

Johnny Mathis has one of the best singing voice. I am mesmerized when I hear his songs. 😊

[@patriciajones4761]

His voice is unique and warm. I always loved any song he sang. Chances Are is just a gem.

[@jamescampbell8845]

I've never heard anything he sang sound anything but incredible

[@dennisinconstanti]

"Chances Are" I heard growing up my Mom and Dad Bought his record albums by mail from a record club. It caught my ear then and as I got older I knew he had a magical singing voice!

[@dianeferre1273]

I was 6 years old, my parents just divorced & my mother wanted to be a Swinging Divorcee' in 1966. She took my brother & I & moved to Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach, CA). We lived a block away from the beach. She used to put on her butter yellow crocheted bathing suit, (summertime) & crank up Johnny Mathis, dancing in the kitchen. I grew to like his voice, (although we always used to laugh). Mom had ZERO dancing style or sense of rhythm. His voice was unique & it was beautiful! 54 years later I now appreciate it!

[@miapdx503]

Some of my favorite memories with my small children was in the kitchen, music and dancing and cooking...

[@sparx180]

Your mom had good taste. She sounds just like my mom. Lol.

[@rhiannonrede]

Born in 1957, I have listened to Johnny literally all my life. All of my family loved him.

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@nitawhite8459]

born in 1951...my late mother loved JM ...

[@kennethrussell1158]

Born in October 1956

[@b.w.vanalstyne7197]

My hero then, my hero now. My children were introduced to him very early. My daughter, who is 32, and my son, who is 13 and has autism, both have their favourite cd's and songs.

[@SuperKENNETHWAYNE]

Hollywood studios should make a movie of this wonderful MAN 🙏

[@kennethrussell1158]

Who would you see cast to play him?

[@blueskye6372]

@@kennethrussell1158 Good question. Give me a minute. Hhmmmmm.👌🙂🙏

[@JS-bd5kf]

My favorite Johnny is his disco version of "Begin the Beguine", and of course all his hits. What a great voice!

[@c.joyceb.8991]

I have so many favorite songs of Johnny Mathis. His voice is soothing like Nat King Cole. Favorite #1 Too Young, #2 Too Much Too Little Too Late...and "All" his Christmas Songs. So much feeling put into his songs. I am lucky to have grown up during his career. Thank you Mr. Mathis.🌹

[@laurajphillips5981]

Johnny Mathis is a fenominal singer, I’ve been lucky enough to see him in person many times. There is no other singer like him! You never mention how many times he has sung the Title songs for movies, after you leave one of his concerts you are absolutely mesmerized. I Love You Johnny!,

[@lindasmilesrfree6067]

I agree! The word is spelled "phenomenal".

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@meshallekimble7637]

Mesmerized? I'm 75 and remember him as my first crush.

[@gertrudedavis8091]

You're very lucky to have seen him in concert 😀💖

[@gertrudedavis8091]

@@lindasmilesrfree6067 we know what she meant!

[@kathywalters4165]

Mr. Johnny Mathis is truly one of the very best legendary multi talented singers ever!

[@anongoingseries13]

THE GREATEST! HUMANITIES BEST! UNTOLD JOY JOHNNY MATHIS HAS BROUGHT TO MILLIONS OF US!

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha Johnny Mathis !!!!!!!! I always knew you as being so multi-faceted with all kinds of music genre and still do !!!!!! You must be a superb and one of a kind unique actor then !!!!! Bottom line is that you are here to stay in our hearts and souls forever !!!!!!!!!!! Am 78 yrs. old and was drawn to your miraculous singing charisma as a teenager !!!!!!!!!! Thanks again to you and Grunge for this "Untold Truth" of your life !!!!! Your humble fan and me ke aloha pumehana, Robert S.J. Hu July 23, 2020. You will live for many more generations to come for your gift of song connection !!!!!!!!!!

[@barbarapurvishunter7215]

I love his voice and one of my favorites is "Chances Are" it sends chills up my spine

[@raymondcurry2278]

Mine as well. ...I LOVE me some Johnny Mathis !!

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@cyl742]

I heard him due to my mom playing records and also in movies. I always loved his voice and thought his was so handsome.

[@fazbell]

Mathis was a legend. One of the great talents of the fifties.

[@jessicagrace625]

Enjoyed listening to this piece about Johnny Mathis. Liked him before, like him a bit more now. Nice guy. 😊❤️

[@patriciasanders2942]

Thank you Johnny for your magnificent magical contribution to the world of entertainment,you are and always will be UNFORGETTABLE,

[@sarahnewcomb738]

My sister & I went to see him when I was 12. I am 71 now. Have always loved his music...Gee 50 yrs ago..Time flies when you're having fun.... .

[@jamescampbell8845]

I'm your age but some of the fun I don't remember lol

[@65motowngirl]

Been a Johnny Mathis fan since I was 10 years old in 1958 and finally saw him in concert in Nashville in 2019!

[@gracemogilevsky7793]

Class act ! All the way.Not only is he very talented also has an awesome presence on stage.

[@hopecreasman7378]

I grew up listening to his beautiful voice. My sister used his album for her wedding reception because of it.

[@AnyFuleKnoThat]

My mum loved Johnny, and was always playing his records. he did have a great voice, I was working in a 5* hotel in Bournemouth that Johnny stayed at, wile on tour in 1976, and I served him his morning tea, I was a little star struck 😂 but was able to get his autograph for my mum ❤

[@Anti-leftist7777]

Very nice, good for you! I ran into him at a grocery store in 1975 but I was too socially awkward to engage in conversation.

[@francesmauricio2632]

U gys so lucky!! 😍

[@witchmouth]

LEGENDARY singer Johnny Mathis is 86 years old and in fantastic shape. In the past, details about his healthy regime have been divulged.

[@starstuff5958]

what can one say......he is loved by so many of us that 'grew up and yep old' with him. I dearly love this man.

[@ofeliaaquino5093]

JOHNNY MATHIS IS MY FAVORITE SINGER AND I LOVE TO LISTEN TO THE SONG " CERTAIN SMILE AND GINA".

[@robertvasquez240]

I've always been a fan of Johnny Mathis' music; I even played his music at my girlfriend's memorial when she died. That man can sing.

[@letequerida2808]

I love this wonderful singer with this wonderful voice, who in my opinion should have already received an Oscar for his lifetime of work,

[@ritawells6426]

I always loved Johnny Mathis. Beautiful voice.

[@normacosby519]

My sister, 2 years older than me, was 12 when she discovered Johnny Mathis. Since then she has travelled the world from our home in Northern Ireland to watch her beloved Johnny. She will be 60 next year and her love for this man stronger than ever. Although i do keep her going i do think he is a fantastic singer, his voice so distinctive and easily distinguishable from the 1st note.

[@judithgoulding8046]

Grew up with Johnny....mom loved him and so did I. Chances are was my fav of his.

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

I have a 78 of Johnny's Wonderful Wonderful my mum gave me in the 70s, and he is still performing at 85! What a man.

[@Stephensorrentino]

An amazing timeless talent.

[@streetwise10-73]

Back in 1995 I was invited to play golf at Mountain Gate Golf Course in So, Calif. a private Course,( my buddy was a member). When we stood on the #1 tee box, Johnny Mathis and his friends were in front of our group just about to Tee off. I watched as Johnny lined up for his drive off the tee....The man can hit a golf ball!

[@annboos9361]

When a Child Is Born...the most wonderful song. Thank you so much Johnny Mathis for the always touching song....

[@patriciajones6689]

Jonhnny Mathis has always been my favorite singer. Grew up in the fifties and always loved his singing.

[@laman8914]

When music was still MUSIC. One of the best voices ever. They don't produce them anymore. It's all commercial now with voice overs.

[@lindaway5889]

I still have happy memories of my husband and I listening to Johnny Mathis. We loved them all, and especially the Christmas tunes. My husband has been gone now for 25 years (passed away Dec. 3, 1995) and I still remember and love the tunes. Thank you, Johnny, for making us such wonderful memories!

[@Silva007ish]

I just love him! Amazing

[@annabellesileo4132]

There are singers and singers, and then there is Johnny Mathis. Our Lord touched his throat and the angels rejoiced.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joycebentopoulos6748]

For me nobody could ever take his place his voice is so unique a velvet voice and he still has his wonderful voice always even today i love to listen to him

[@sheilabarkerwallis585]

One of the greatest singers I have ever heard have so Many of his albums and have seen him twice just love this man

[@montygates8767]

I was in love with him from the time I was a very young kid through high school

[@leoinsf]

Hi Johnny. You don't remember me but our paths crossed at SF State when you appeared in Leonard Bernstein's: "Trouble in Tahiti." (I was the pianist for the SF State production). We didn't work together all that much because you were part of the trio that performed and I needed to work extensively with the two solo leads in a Bernstein opera that tried to look like a musical, but was actually complex as all Bernstein productions are. You need to know that ever since I have considered myself lucky to have momentarily crossed paths with you. Please know that in my book you are a great singer and a great human being.

[@sparx180]

Leo Catalano Nice comment.

[@leoinsf]

@@sparx180 Thank you, Chloe!

[@sparx180]

@@leoinsf You are more than welcome!

[@nancycurtis488]

Johnny Mathis has been one of my favorite entertainers since I was a teen…imagine my surprise when I moved to a rural east Texas community 39 yrs. ago and found out that Johnny Mathis was born in a town, Gilmer, Texas where our oldest daughter and her young family live today. We never drive to Gilmer that I don’t think of Johnny Mathis and his family…then think of my favorite songs that he made famous. A fellow Texan and a wonderful person.

[@candiceperry7916]

Johnny Mathis is my favorite singer

[@pamlabeltran]

It ain't Christmas until Mr. Mathis sings, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

[@Pyanonissimo1]

No sense in coming home for Christmas if he ain't on the music playlist! LOL

[@toddcampbell9044]

I’m 51. Married for 26 years. My family’s favorite Christmas album

[@jaacquelineinnamorati2540]

Have been a fan since the late 50’s saw him in person at the Greek theater and twice more in Massachusetts

[@mipajaro1]

Still wonderful.

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@brendabradley271]

Love his music

[@annince5125]

Happy Birthday John, hope you have a great day. Lots of Love from ENGLAND xx

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

Johnny was a very good singer I love his elegant style I never get tired of his music Right on John

[@erinkarpinec3678]

Is

[@fob1xxl]

ONE OF MY FAVORITES WAS "FAITHFULLY" FROM A 1959 ALBUM. HE'S ONE OF A KIND !

[@rosemarywalsh230]

A Certain Smile is my favourite

[@richieslimbach]

@@rosemarywalsh230 Wild as the Wind is my favorite.

[@nitalopes515]

A brilliant silky-smooth voice 👌 👏 👍

[@barbaraleggett4466]

He has the most beautiful voice i love it. ALWAYS HAVE.

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@mariebrooks7341]

He has always been a great singer and good with keeping a good reputation too. It's good that he has had a long career.

[@kendahlmcneal162]

My favorite is Misty and I love his music overall his voice is so soothing and romantic ❤️

[@Pyanonissimo1]

His music soothes the savage beast on Christmas!!!

[@monicahewitt771]

Wonderful wonderful.

[@carolekelley23]

His Christmas album is the very best and played in our home to start off the Holidays.

[@MrJonniconni]

Happy 85 birthday, Johnny 🎶🎵

[@cindykfordford2431]

He has a beautiful voice...Love, Love Love all of his Christmas songs!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me too and his non-Christmas songs.

[@wendyghannam836]

I agree!!

[@jacquelinekenney-dq4zn]

I have loved this man all of my life

[@kathrynb4683]

I keep Johnnie's CD in my car player. He is aways just the push of a button away. Best all round voice EVER.

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today...

[@dimebagdave77]

His Christmas album was an important part of my family's celebration 👍❤️ probably my favorite Christmas album overall.thanks for the cool video!

[@frankdenardo8684]

Classic album. My dad has three of the Greatest Songs of Christmas albums and features Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, and Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire.

[@jamescampbell8845]

Wouldn't be Christmas without his music

[@AmWestColl]

always been my favorite singer !

[@christineadkins4058]

A wonderful singer and person. Love listening to him.

[@starpepper499]

My mom loved herself some Johnny❤

[@terryfarrar451]

The man with the velvet voice , great singer when I first heard The Twealth of never I became a fan .

[@bhaj4588]

I discovered Johnny Mathis through an Aunt and Uncle who had all of his albums. I think I must have been maybe 14 or 15 years old. His music and voice became some of my all time forever favorite music. It was baffling to me that my Aunt and Uncle who were 100% racists had all of his albums. I guess that speaks to the power of music. Or something like that.

[@annetteelliott1494]

Wonderful, wonderful and a Certain smile....magic!

[@garygould5638]

He did a duet with singer Jane Oliver called "The Last Time I Felt Like This." The harmonies are phenomenal. My personal favorite.

[@dianeprince3003]

I love him no matter what he still sings the hell out of a song

[@moemcgovern7345]

I always Love Johnny Mathis.

[@doristserkezis998]

Best voice everrrrr!

[@rachelcordova1110]

I've always over the music of Johnny Mathis. He is one of many wonderful musicians who came out of San Francisco ❤. The music industry can be brutal. But, he managed to rise above. Thank you, Johnny Mathis, for your beautiful music contributions to the world.

[@carolynharmon9746]

Johnny Mathis causes one to set up and listen to his melodic lyrics with his soft and silky voice. God Bless Him.🙏☮️

[@sabretooth717]

Can't be Christmas without JOHNNY, NAT, and BING.!

[@brendamerelyn]

It's Not for me to say Is my favourite song. Anything he sings is perfect for me , I think I have just about every album he released.

[@backwardmen8090]

Great video documentary. Johnny is a legend.

[@darquequeen2323]

Every time I hear his name, I think of his Christmas album.

[@kkormanik]

Darque Queen my kids always loved Its a marshmallow world.

I enjoyed his Christmas album very much!

@queenofmeanest meanie All of them!

[@patriciaelliott5395]

Been to see him five times. A wonderful performer.

[@RaymondHng]

8:11 That's my high school, George Washington High, at Geary Blvd. between 30th and 32nd Avenue. Mathis also attended Roosevelt Junior High School where I was years later. Our string orchestra teacher was also a violist in the orchestra at the Circle Star Theater. In the spring semester, she would take our class to the Circle Star to watch Mathis rehearse. After rehearsal, he came down the stage and shook hands with us students to say hello.

[@kevinbaldwin7610]

Saw him live at Kent State University in 1966 ... actually met him and shook his hand while sneaking a smoke with a friend in a side aisle of the auditorium while Mathis was off stage. Just us two, and Mathis and valet walked right by us, exchanged hellos, and then he rounded the corner on to stage. Wow!

[@johncraig3756]

One of the best male vocalists ever.

[@yengsabio5315]

Hear, hear! Butter-smooth voice!

[@leepantera2680]

Hands down without a doubt

[@mikepatrick5909]

my mother had all his albums along with Engelbert and Tom Jones....

[@yengsabio5315]

@@mikepatrick5909 Misters Humperdink, Jones, & if I may add, Monro are as well legends! I grew up hearing & enjoying their pieces! Cheers & mabuhay from tropical Philippines!