Johnny Mathis: A Voice That Stands The Test Of Time

How Much Is Johnny Mathis Worth Today?

Let’s talk about Johnny Mathis, the legendary crooner whose voice has graced the ears of generations. With a staggering net worth of $200 million, Johnny Mathis is more than just a singer—he's an icon. Over his 65+ year career, Mathis has released over 70 studio albums and sold a jaw-dropping 350 million records worldwide. That makes him the third-best-selling artist of the 20th century. His smooth, romantic style has captivated audiences for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. Twelve of his studio albums have reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with many earning Gold or Platinum certifications.

Mathis burst onto the scene in the mid-1950s when he signed with Columbia Records. Hits like "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "Chances Are" in 1957 cemented his place in music history. Then came his unforgettable rendition of "Misty" in 1959, a song that became synonymous with his name. The album "Johnny's Greatest Hits" (1958) set records by spending an incredible 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts. His voice, rich and velvety, became the go-to for romantic ballads and timeless Christmas tunes. His 1958 album "Merry Christmas" remains a holiday classic to this day.

Mathis’ accolades don’t stop there. He’s been nominated for multiple Grammys, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. If there’s a trophy for vocal excellence, Mathis probably has it.

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Where Did It All Begin?

Early Days and Discovering His Talent

Johnny Mathis was born John Royce Mathis on September 30, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, as the fourth of seven children to Clem Mathis and Mildred Boyd. His family eventually moved to San Francisco, where he grew up in the Richmond District. His father, who had a background in vaudeville, recognized his son’s musical talent early on. He bought an old upright piano and encouraged young Johnny to learn. The first song Johnny ever learned? "My Blue Heaven." Soon, Johnny was performing for guests at home and at school and church events, showcasing his budding talent.

At the age of 13, Johnny began working with a voice coach named Connie Cox. For six years, he honed his craft, learning vocal scales, exercises, and voice production techniques. He also explored classical and operatic singing, broadening his musical horizons. Mathis excelled in sports during his high school years at George Washington High School and went on to attend San Francisco State College on an athletic scholarship. His initial plan was to become either an English teacher or a Physical Education teacher, but fate had other plans for this gifted young man.

Mathis Takes the Stage

A Career That Changed the World of Music

Johnny Mathis’s journey into the music industry began at the age of 19 when he was spotted at an impromptu jam session by Helen Noga. Noga, who owned multiple nightclubs, recognized his potential and became his manager. Together, they booked gigs that helped build his following, eventually leading to a record deal with Columbia Records. In 1956, his first LP was released, followed by his debut album, "Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Song." Though it didn’t sell quickly, Mathis stayed in New York City, performing in nightclubs and recording some of his most iconic songs, including "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "It's Not for Me to Say."

His big break came in 1957 when he appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," which skyrocketed his popularity. Later that year, he released "Chances Are," a song that sold a million copies and became one of his biggest hits. In November 1957, he recorded "Wild Is the Wind" for a film of the same name, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Mathis performed the song at the Academy Awards ceremony in March 1958.

His album "Johnny's Greatest Hits" achieved the unthinkable, spending 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, including three weeks at number one. This record stood for 15 years until Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" surpassed it in 1983. In 1958, Mathis made his second film appearance, singing "A Certain Smile," another Oscar-nominated song.

In 1959, Mathis moved to Beverly Hills with the Nogas, who had become his family. He continued to perform and record, achieving massive hits like "Gina" and "What Will Mary Say" in the early '60s. However, by 1964, he parted ways with the Nogas and founded Jon Mat Records to produce his own recordings. Despite the rise of rock and roll, Mathis made a triumphant return in the late '70s with the Christmas hit "When a Child is Born," which topped the UK charts. His duet with Deniece Williams, "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late," hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, earning Gold and Silver certifications in the U.S. and UK, respectively.

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Over the years, Mathis has recorded duets with other legendary artists like Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, and Gladys Knight. Today, he continues to perform live, though he limits his concerts to 50 per year. He's one of the last pop singers who still travels with a full orchestra, a testament to his dedication to quality and tradition. Mathis holds the distinction of having the longest tenure of any recording artist on the Columbia label, alongside Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and Bruce Springsteen. He's had five albums on the Billboard charts simultaneously, a feat achieved by only two other artists: Frank Sinatra and Barry Manilow. With over 200 singles and more than 70 charted hits worldwide, Johnny Mathis remains a beloved figure in the music industry.

Beyond the Spotlight: Johnny Mathis's Personal Life

Hobbies, Passions, and Philanthropy

Johnny Mathis isn’t just a singer; he’s a man with diverse interests. Sports have always been a big part of his life, and he could have been an Olympic athlete in the high jump if not for a missed tryout. To this day, he remains an avid golfer, achieving nine holes-in-one and hosting several Johnny Mathis Golf Tournaments in the UK and the U.S. Since 1985, he's organized a charity golf tournament in Belfast, giving back to the communities he loves.

Cooking is another passion of Mathis's. In 1982, he published a cookbook titled "Cooking for You Alone," sharing his culinary expertise with fans. For many years, Mathis kept his personal life private, but in 2017, he confirmed to US Magazine that he is gay. He’s also battled addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs, overcoming them through rehab. Despite these challenges, Mathis has always been generous, supporting numerous charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the YWCA and YMCA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the NAACP.

In 1964, Mathis purchased a mansion in the Hollywood Hills originally built by billionaire Howard Hughes in 1946. This iconic residence remains his home, a place where he continues to create music and enjoy life to its fullest.