Music lovers get ready to say goodbye to a true icon. Johnny Mathis yes THE Johnny Mathis is officially retiring from touring and live performances. After serenading the world for seven decades this incredible singer is stepping away from the stage. It is the end of an era but what a run it has been!
Age and Health Concerns Prompt Retirement: Mathis Cites 'Accelerated' Memory Issues
The news just dropped and it is a bit of a sad one for fans. At 89 years young Johnny Mathis is making the tough choice to retire from the road. The official announcement came via a statement on his Facebook page citing his age and health as the main reasons. Specifically the statement mentioned "memory issues which have accelerated" as a key factor in this decision.
It sounds like it wasn't an easy choice but a necessary one. The announcement expressed "sincere regret" about the retirement. This news comes as Mathis is getting ready to celebrate his 90th birthday later this year. What a milestone to reach after such a long and impactful career.
While it is goodbye to touring it is not quite the end just yet. Mathis is still scheduled to perform the remaining dates on his 2025 "Voice of Romance Tour". The very last concert on the books right now is set for May 18th in Englewood New Jersey. So if you are lucky enough to have tickets to one of these shows you are in for a truly special and historic performance.
Seven Decades of Timeless Music: A Look Back at Johnny Mathis' Incredible Career
Let's be real Johnny Mathis is not just a singer he is a legend . His career spans over 70 years. Think about that for a second seven decades of making music! He has given us some of the most classic and romantic songs ever recorded. We are talking about hits that everyone knows and loves like "Chances Are" "Misty" and "It’s Not for Me to Say." These are songs that have soundtracked countless romances and special moments.
His "Voice of Romance Tour" which started in September 2024 was meant to be a celebration of his incredible musical journey. Even recently fans have been raving about his performances. After a show in Minnesota earlier this month fans were sharing online how amazing he still sounds at 89. One fan wrote "My favorite all time Romance Singer Ever! At the fine age of 89…" Another said "Mr Mathis is amazing and still singing beautifully never disappoints thanks for your continued work and music contribution!" That's the kind of impact Johnny Mathis has.
His classic tracks like "Wonderful Wonderful" and "It’s Not for Me to Say" were chart-toppers way back in the 1950s. Then came "Chances Are" which became a massive number one hit solidifying his place in music history. He even celebrated his 50th anniversary as a recording artist all the way back in 2006! The man is a musical institution.
Grammy Recognition and Hall of Fame Inductions: Honoring a Lifetime of Musical Excellence
Johnny Mathis's talent has not gone unnoticed by the music industry either. He has been nominated for five Grammy Awards over his career with his first nomination way back in 1960 for "Misty." That is some serious staying power.
But it is not just nominations. Mathis has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame not once not twice but THREE times! That is a testament to the lasting impact and quality of his music. His website even boasts that he is Columbia Records’ longest-signed recording artist. That says it all right there. He is a true icon and his legacy is secure.
Final Tour Dates and a Heartfelt Goodbye: Don't Miss Your Last Chance to See Johnny Mathis Live
While the news of retirement is bittersweet Johnny Mathis is giving fans a few more chances to experience his magic live on stage. His "Voice of Romance Tour" will continue through May 18th. Here are the currently scheduled remaining dates:
- April 10: Shippensburg Pennsylvania (Shippensburg University - Luhrs Performing Arts Center)
- April 26: Shipshewana Indiana (Blue Gate Performing Arts Center)
- May 10: Santa Rosa California (Luther Burbank Center for the Arts)
- May 18: Englewood New Jersey (Bergen Performing Arts Center)
These are your last opportunities to see this legendary performer live in concert. If you are a fan or just appreciate incredible music it might be worth checking if tickets are still available for any of these shows. It will be a chance to say thank you and farewell to Johnny Mathis in person and witness a piece of music history.
The statement announcing his retirement ended with a message from Johnny Mathis and his team expressing "heartfelt gratitude" to fans worldwide "for your continued love & support of his music! It's truly been ‘Wonderful Wonderful.’" And indeed it has. Thank you Johnny Mathis for the music the memories and the romance.