American vocalist Johnny Mathis is widely recognized as one of the top-selling musicians of the 1900s. He first became famous with his old songs but soon became a well-liked album artist. Many of his albums became gold or platinum, and 73 of them were on the Billboard charts.
Johnny Mathis Bio Details
Full name: John Royce Mathis
Date of birth: September 30, 1935
Age: 89 years old (2025)
Place of birth: Gilmer, Texas, U.S.
Current residence: San Francisco, California, U.S
Occupation: Singer
Sexual orientation: Gay
Childhood & Education
John Royce Mathis, also known as Johnny Mathis, was born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas. He was the fourth child out of seven born to Clem Mathis and Mildred Boyd. The family later relocated to the Richmond District in San Francisco, where Mathis spent his childhood.
Johnny’s father was a vaudeville performer, and he recognized his son’s musical aptitude. He purchased an old upright piano and motivated Johnny to develop his skills.
From his father, Johnny acquired his first song, “My Blue Heaven”. He then showcased his talents by performing for guests at his house, as well as at events held by his school and church.
At the age of 13, Johnny started his vocal training with Connie Cox, a voice coach. He dedicated six years to studying vocal scales, exercises, and voice techniques under her guidance. In addition, he acquired skills in classical and operatic singing.
Mathis was a popular athlete at George Washington High School. He went to San Francisco State College in 1952 because he got a sports scholarship. His initial career plans were to become an English or Physical Education teacher.
Career
Johnny Mathis, at 19, was discovered at a jam session by Helen Noga, who managed nightclubs and had worked with top jazz musicians. She became his manager, booking him gigs that grew his fan base and led to a record deal with Columbia Records..
In 1956, Johnny released his debut LP and soon after, his first album titled “Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Song.” Although it did not sell well initially, he remained in New York City to perform at nightclubs. It was during this period that he recorded his two most famous tracks, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “It’s Not for Me to Say.”
Johnny’s appearance on the TV show The Ed Sullivan Show in June 1957 boosted his popularity. Later that year, he released Chances Are, his second million-selling single. In November, Mathis released Wild is the Wind for the film. The song was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song, and Mathis performed it at the awards in March 1958.
His album Johnny’s Greatest Hits spent 490 weeks and 9.5 years on the Billboard 200 chart, including three weeks at #1. It held this record for 15 years until Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon surpassed it in October 1983. In 1958, Johnny appeared in his second film, singing A Certain Smile, which was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song
Since 2000, Johnny Mathis has reduced his live concert appearances to approximately 50 to 60 per year. He is one of the few pop singers who still tours with a complete orchestra rather than a band.
As part of his 60th Anniversary Concert Tour, Mathis gave a sold-out performance in The Villages on January 14, 2016. However, on March 26, 2025, it was revealed that Mathis would be ending his touring career due to concerns about his age and memory.
Personal Life
For a long time, Johnny Mathis kept his sexual preferences private, but he eventually revealed to US Magazine in 2017 that he is homosexual.
He has received treatment for alcohol and prescription drug dependencies and actively backs various charitable efforts, including the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the YWCA and YMCA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the NAACP.
In 1964, Mathis acquired a lavish estate in Hollywood Hills, which was originally constructed by billionaire Howard Hughes in 1946. He continues to reside at this property.
Net Worth
Johnny Mathis, a renowned American vocalist, has amassed a net worth of $200 million. Throughout his career, he has produced over 70 albums and sold a staggering 350 million records, placing him as the third highest-selling artist of the 20th century.
Notably, 12 of his studio albums have landed in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with several earning Gold or Platinum certifications.
