Citing memory concerns as he approaches 90, legendary singer Johnny Mathis is ending his remarkable career after nearly seven decades.
Known for timeless classics like “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “Chances Are,” the beloved crooner will take his final bow on May 18 in New Jersey.
His retirement comes amid concert cancelations and marks the end of an era when music had soul, substance, and staying power.
Mathis’s team announced his retirement through a heartfelt statement on social media, acknowledging the toll that age and memory issues have taken on the 89-year-old performer.
“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 post read.
Back in 2018, Mathis discussed his health concerns:
“It revolves around whether or not you’re physically able and in good health. That’s the most important thing because you won’t feel like doing anything if you’re not healthy. And being a vocalist, you have another thing to worry about. The vocals cords are flesh and blood so anything can happen to them…You take care of the thing that got you to the dance.”
Despite these challenges, the six-time Grammy Award winner’s voice has remained remarkably intact throughout his 69 consecutive years of performing.
“His voice is still wonderful, and it’s a shame that he won’t be able to share that with his audiences after May 18,” said Robert Scott, Mathis’s representative.
He knows deep down that it’s time to call it a day. He’s performed 69 consecutive years now (1956) without ever missing a beat,” Scott added.
Fans hoping to attend Mathis’s farewell performance at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey, will find the event already sold out. Tickets on third-party websites are selling for at least $474.
With over 360 million records sold worldwide, Mathis stands as one of the best-selling artists of the 20th century.
His career accomplishments include six platinum albums and an unprecedented ten Top 10 albums in a row during the late 1950s and early 60s.
The Texas-born vocalist is Columbia Records’ longest-signed recording artist, a relationship that has spanned nearly seven decades.
His dedication to his craft included prioritizing his career over potential Olympic glory.
Mathis chose to sign with Columbia Records in 1955 rather than participate in the US Olympic trials as a high jumper.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mathis has received numerous accolades, including the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and induction into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2014.
His album “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” once held the record for most weeks on the US charts.
While Mathis is retiring from live performances, fans may find solace in his team’s hint that “there is potentially new music in the works.”
His most recent album, “Christmas Time is Here,” was released in October 2023, adding to his extensive catalog of over 70 albums.
