Johnny Mathis Announces Retirement After Decades of Hits

A Legendary Career Nears Its Final Note

Once, he was the nation’s hottest singer and every teenager’s dream. Now, after more than six decades of mesmerizing audiences, Johnny Mathis is preparing to take his final bow.

At 89, the iconic singer behind classics like Misty and Chances Are has officially announced his retirement due to age and memory decline.

Farewell Tour and Canceled Shows

Mathis will continue his Voice of Romance tour through the spring, with his last performance set for May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.

However, fans hoping to see him after June 2025 are out of luck. His team confirmed that all shows scheduled beyond that date have been canceled.

The Official Announcement

On Wednesday, Mathis’ team shared a heartfelt message:
“As many of you know, Johnny Mathis is approaching his 90th birthday. With sincere regret, we announce his retirement from touring and live concerts due to his age and memory issues, which have accelerated.”

It’s a bittersweet farewell for a singer who has serenaded generations with his velvet voice and timeless ballads.

The Rise of the Voice of Romance

Born on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, Mathis was destined for greatness. His father, a vaudeville singer and pianist, recognized his talent early and bought an old upright piano for $25 (about $447 today).

Mathis grew up surrounded by jazz legends, drawing inspiration from the great Duke Ellington. “Ellington was one of my heroes because of his intellect and sophistication,” Mathis recalled in 1990.

His breakthrough came in 1957 with Chances Are and It’s Not for Me to Say. That same year, Johnny’s Greatest Hits shattered records, staying on the Billboard charts for an astonishing 490 consecutive weeks.

A Legacy of Love Songs

Mathis’ career soared, producing over 70 albums and selling more than 350 million records worldwide. His classics, including Wonderful! Wonderful!, The Twelfth of Never, and beloved holiday albums, became synonymous with romance and nostalgia.

Awards and Accolades

Mathis’ achievements extend beyond commercial success. In 2003, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame.

A Lasting Impact

As Mathis prepares for his final tour, his legacy remains intact. His music will continue to inspire and touch hearts for years to come. Fans with tickets for canceled shows will receive refunds through the original point of purchase.

Though he’s stepping away from the stage, his influence on music will never fade. Here’s to Johnny Mathis—his voice will forever echo in our hearts.

Do you have a favorite Johnny Mathis song? Share it in the comments below!