Legendary Singer Johnny Mathis to Bid Farewell to the Stage with Final Concert
Renowned American pop singer Johnny Mathis is set to conclude his illustrious seven-decade career with a final concert at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey, today. The 89-year-old singer, who will be 90 in September, announced his retirement from live performances due to age and increasing memory issues, as reported by The Advocate.
Mathis, a global superstar and heartthrob, has been a dominant force in the music industry since the mid-1950s. His hits "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "It’s Not for Me to Say" catapulted him to fame in the late 50s, followed by the chart-topping "Chances Are." His 1958 album, "Johnny’s Greatest Hits," spent almost 500 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts, according to the Smithsonian, a record that stood for decades. As noted by The Advocate, Mathis released over 70 albums and sold more than 350 million records worldwide, earning him the nickname "The Voice of Romance."
Throughout his remarkable career, Mathis has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and inductions into the Grammy Hall of Fame for songs like "Chances Are," "Misty," and "It’s Not for Me to Say." As The Advocate reported, his contributions to music have been widely recognised, cementing his status as a music legend.
Beyond his musical achievements, Mathis holds a significant place in LGBTQ+ history. In a 1982 interview, he inadvertently acknowledged his sexuality, stating, "Homosexuality is a way of life that I’ve grown accustomed to." Mathis revealed that he received death threats after the interview. It wasn’t until years later that he openly discussed his identity, becoming one of the first global queer superstars to do so. In an exclusive 2021 interview with The Advocate, Mathis reflected on his life, talking about his childhood and how he adored his parents. "My dad was white, and my mom was black. And my dad had a lot of Latin influence in him,” he recalled. “It was my dad who pushed me to pursue singing. He was always my biggest supporter and my very best friend," as quoted by The Advocate.
Mathis also discussed the challenges he faced when he came out in 1982. "Yes, it was difficult,” he said. “Back then, you didn’t talk about things like that; however, I never worried about it too much. I just kept thinking that being gay didn’t affect my performance or how the audience reacted to my singing. I just resolved to myself that everything was going to be OK," as reported by The Advocate. He expressed gratitude for his fans’ unwavering support, stating, "I’ve had a wonderful life, and I’ve been very lucky to have people who care about me and my music,” as noted by The Advocate.
As The Advocate highlighted, Mathis’s quiet courage paved the way for future generations of queer artists. Today, performers like Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, Brandi Carlile, and Lil Nas X, and many others continue to break boundaries, building upon the foundation Mathis laid decades ago. As he got older, Mathis eventually did become more comfortable with his sexuality, telling The Advocate, "I’ve come to the realization at this age that my sexuality is always going to be a source of interest because I’m a public figure, and I just thank God that society has changed and that being gay is not such a big deal anymore and that society is more accepting."
The final concert at the Bergen Performing Arts Center marks the end of an era for fans of Johnny Mathis. As The Advocate reported, his team shared the news on his Facebook page, expressing heartfelt gratitude to fans and hinting at potential new music in the future. With a career spanning almost 70 years, Johnny Mathis leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike, as noted by The Advocate.
