JOHNNY MATHIS NEWS

 

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 JOHNNY DOES PRIVATE CONCERTS

Johnny is often asked to do private concerts for the very special occasions of privileged people, like birthdays and such.  Most recently he  went to Vancouver, Canada to perform at a beautiful outdoor theatre for a wedding anniversary concert, where he sang a few songs,  including a duet of "Chances Are" with American singer Liz Callaway.  Most frequently, he will do an entire concert, as he did not long ago at the sumptuous Bellagio Casino/Hotel in Las Vegas, for the celebration of a woman's birthday, per her loving husband!       

JOHNNY INDUCTED INTO THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK HALL OF FAME 

 Johnny was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame, at the Palladium Center for Performing Arts in Carmel, IN, on  June 21.  He was honored with a beautiful induction award, along with the other inductees for that tribute:  Nat Cole (accepted  by his  daughter Natalie), Shirley Jones and Linda Ronstadt.  It was a very grand event, all put together by host Michael Feinstein.


 JOHNNY IN THE RECORDING STUDIOS

 Johnny has been kept busy in the recording studios, recording for the CD's of other artists.  He recorded "It's The Most Wonderful Time  Of The Year" for his friend Dave Koz' upcoming Christmas release.  Also, he recorded "The Holiday Season" with his friends of the  Count Basie Orchestra for their upcoming Christmas release.  Johnny is always happy and comfortable in a recording studio atmosphere!   


JOHNNY'S HISTORY WITH THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny has a very long and amazing history with the Tonight Show.  Johnny was a guest on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON 48 times between 1962 and 1990, taping shows in New York and in Los Angeles.  (Johnny Carson was the host of The Tonight Show for 30 years.)  Johnny was a guest on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO 8 times between 1993 and 2013, taping shows in Los Angeles.  (Jay Leno was the host of The Tonight Show for 22 years.)  Thus, that makes an extraordinary 56 times that Johnny was a guest on the very famous NBC The Tonight Show!     


JOHNNY GUEST ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

As always at Christmastime, Jay Leno asked John to guest on his show, December 17, 2013.  Johnny went on the show to sing the title song from his new Christmas CD:  "Sending You A Little Christmas."  Johnny was accompanied by all of his own musicians: Scott Lavender on the piano, Gil Reigers on guitar, Rick Shaw on base guitar, Joe Lizama on drums, plus his recording producer  Fred Mollin on guitar, and a guy on the accordian.  As Johnny ended his performance, Jay Leno rushed over to give him a big hug and to thank him for being on the show.  Everybody looked very happy!


JOHNNY RELEASES A NEW CHRISTMAS CD

Johnny has recorded and released a new Christmas CD for 2013.  The title of the CD is:  SENDING YOU A LITTLE CHRISTMAS.  The songs included are:  "The Christmas Song" (duet with Billy Joel) .... "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (duet with Natalie Cole) .... " This Christmas" .... ""Sending You A Little Christmas" (with Jim Brickman) .... "Mary's Boy Child (duet with Gloria Estefan) .... "This Is A Time for Love" .... ""Do You Hear What I Hear" (duet with Susan Boyle) .... "Home For The Holidays" (featuring the Jordanaires) .... "Merry Christmas Darling" .... "Decorate The Night" .... "I'll Be Home For Christmas/White Christmas" (duet with Vince Gill and Amy Grant) .... "Count Your Blessings." 

 

JOHNNY ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny once again was asked by Jay Leno to come on his show and sing some Christmas songs, on December 20, 2012.  Jay is always happy when Johnny is a guest on the show, giving it a lot of Class!  He announced John with the description of "the incredible and legendary Johnny Mathis!!"  Johnny sang a medley of his Christmas Classics:  "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Merry Christmas" .... with Scott Lavender on the piano and Rick Shaw on the big base. 


JOHNNY'S MERCURY ALBUMS CONVERTED TO CD FORMAT

Johnny's Mercury albums have been converted to the CD format.  Johnny was at Mercury Records for 3 years, where he released 10 albums, between 1964 and 1967.  The albums now available on 5 CDs are:  TENDER IS THE NIGHT/THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MAKE BELIEVE, THIS IS LOVE/OLE, THE SWEETHEART TREE/THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE, SO NICE/SINGS, LOVE IS EVERYTHING/BROADWAY.  The most exciting thing about these Mercury Records conversions is the release of the album that had never been previously released: BROADWAY. The Mercury Records Christmas album, THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS, has not yet been coverted to the CD format, but will be in the near future.

 JOHNNY GUESTED ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny guested on the Tonight Show on December 21, 2011. Once again, Jay Leno asked him to come on the show to sing some Christmas classics. John sang a medley of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" & "The Christmas Song." He was accompanied by his conductor, John Scott Lavender, and Rick Shaw on a big base. Jay Leno was very pleased to have John on the show and called him "The nicest person in Show Business."  
 

JOHNNY RECEIVED ACADEMY OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Johnny went to Washington D.C. on December 10, 2011, where he was honored by the American Academy of Achievement. He performed a short concert of his many hits at their annual event, and then was presented the Golden Plate Award.

JOHNNY WENT TO ENGLAND

Johnny returned to England in October 2011, after being absent since 2006. He performed in concert to enthusiastic audiences in London, Birmingham and Manchester. He made his British fans very happy!

JOHNNY NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY

Johnny's latest CD release was nominated for a Grammy, LET IT BE ME: MATHIS IN NASHVILLE, for the year 2011, in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

JOHNNY ON OPRAH SHOW

Johnny was a guest on the OPRAH show in December, 2010. He taped the show in Chicago, on November 22, where he sang a Christmas Medley with Josh Grobin. Johnny also performed the song "Crazy" from his LET IT BE ME: MATHIS IN NASHVILLE, and everybody in Oprah's audience got a copy of this new CD.

JOHNNY ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny guested on The Tonight Show on October 12, 2010. Jay Leno asked Johnny to come on the show to sing something from his new Country CD. Jay chose the song "Crazy," and Johnny performed this song with his own conductor at the piano, John Scott Lavender, and his own musicians, Gil Reigers, Joe Lizama and Rick Shaw, along with an additional musician on the steel guitar, giving it a true country sound.

JOHNNY AUTOGRAPHS HIS COUNTRY CD

Johnny did an autograph session on September 21, 2010, on the very day that his LET IT BE ME: MATHIS IN NASHVILLE was released. It was held at Border's in Los Angeles, where an enormous gathering of his fans came to purchase his new Country CD, and line up to have it signed by Johnny .... and receive his big smile too!

JOHNNY HONORED FOR HIS KOL NIDRE

Johnny recorded the "Kol Nidre" in early 1958, which was released on his album of religious songs titled: GOOD NIGHT, DEAR LORD, on March 3, 1958. Johnny's recording of "Kol Nidre" is an abbreviated rendition of the Aramaic liturgical chant sung at the start of Jewish Yom Kipper. On August 19, 2010, Johnny was honored for his recording of "Kol Nidre" by the Idelsohn Society for Musical Preservation at a ceremony held at the Skirball Cutural Center in Los Angeles. Johnny was present on stage, where he received an impressive award plaque to commemorate this honor.

JOHNNY'S RECORDING OF MISTY

Johnny recorded his signature song "Misty" on April 21, 1959. As a tribute to this important event, that took place over 50 years ago, a very interesting story has been written about how Johnny came to record "Misty" ... about Johnny, and also about the various persons who were involved in this recording. This story can be found on the Internet, under: Making Misty: Legendary Johnny Mathis Recording, Page One. Or you can open: http://www.sevensteeples.com/misty1.html

JOHNNY HAS RECORDED & RELEASED A NEW COUNTRY CD

Johnny traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to record a new CD of Country songs. The name of the CD is: LET IT BE ME: MATHIS IN NASHVILLE. This CD includes: "Crazy" .... "You Don't Know Me .... "Loving Arms" .... "Wonderful World" .... "We Must Be Loving Right" .... "Make The World Go Away" .... "Shenandoah" .... "Let It Be Me" .... "Southern Nights" .... "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" .... "Love Me Tender" .... "I Can't Stop Loving You." This Johnny Mathis CD with a Country Music theme was released in September, 2010.

JOHNNY ALBUMS 10 CONVERTED TO CD FORMAT

Johnny albums from the 1960's have been converted to the CD format. Collector's Choice Music was given license from Sony to convert 10 of Johnny's albums, on 5 double-CD releases. They are: I'LL BUY YOU A STAR/ LIVE IT UP! .... RAPTURE/ROMANTICALLY .... THOSE WERE THE DAYS/LOVE THEME FROM ROMEO & JULIET .... UP, UP AND AWAY/LOVE IS BLUE .... PEOPLE/THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM. These 5 new CD's can be ordered directly, on the Internet, from Collector's Choice Music.

JOHNNY ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny guested on the Tonight Show on December 22, 2008. Jay Leno asked him to come on the show to sing some Christmas songs, as he considers Johnny THE BEST when it comes to the music of the Holidays. Johnny sang a beautiful medley of 2 Christmas favorites: "Christmas Time Is Here" and "White Christmas," accompanied by his conductor, Scott Lavender. Once again, Leno rightfully referred to Johnny as: A LEGEND.

JOHNNY RECORDS A NEW CD

Johnny has released his newest CD! The CD is titled: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. The tracks are: "A Night To Remember" with Gladys Knight .... "We're In This Love Together" with saxophonist Dave Koz .... "Just The Two Of Us" with Kenny G .... "You Make Me Feel Brand New" with Yolanda Adams .... "Always" with Taisha Monet .... "Always And Forever" .... "Walk On By" .... "All This Love " .... "The Closer I Get To You" .... "Hey Girl" .... "How About Us" .... "Where Is The Love." Producer: Walter Afanasieff. A NIGHT TO REMEMBER was released in early 2008.

JOHNNY VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE.COM

Johnny videos can be found on youtube.com. Following are some of the Johnny Mathis videos that we have put up on youtube for your viewing pleasure. (Just click on the song titles.) Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in May of 1974NICE TO BE AROUND. Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in July of 1974OUR DAY WILL COME. Johnny on the MERV GRIFFIN SHOW in July of 198299 MILES FROM LA. Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in February of 1976ONE DAY IN YOUR LIFE. Johnny on the MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW in December of 1978OVER THE RAINBOW/EASE ON DOWN. Johnny on the TODAY SHOW in May of 1993SOMETHING NEW IN MY LIFE. Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in August of 1978COPACABANA. Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in January of 1983BUT SHE LOVES ME. Johnny on the TONIGHT SHOW in August of 1978PIECES OF DREAMS. To locate other Johnny Mathis videos, search on our youtube account: 19rebel57.

JOHNNY GUESTS ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Johnny made an appearance on THE TONIGHT SHOW on March 29, 2007. He guested on the show with jazz saxophonist Dave Koz, performing their new duet of "The Shadow of Your Smile," which was released on Johnny's 50th Anniversary CD, as well as on Koz's latest CD, that contains all music from various movies. Johnny had not appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW in many years, the last time on December 6, 1993. Leno rightfully called Johnny: A LEGEND.

JOHNNY MATHIS GOLD 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CD

Johnny released a compilation CD for his 50th Anniversary as a Recording Artist, 2006. The CD includes all of his greatest hits, and other songs, and also 2 recordings never previously released, "So Many Stars" and a new jazz rendition of "The Shadow Of Your Smile" that is performed with Dave Koz and Chris Botti. The other tracks: "Chances Are," "Wonderful, Wonderful," "It's Not For Me To Say," "The Twelfth Of Never," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "Wild Is The Wind," "Misty," "Maria," "Small World," "A Certain Smile," "What'll I Do," "One God," "Deep River," "True Love," "In A Sentimental Mood," and the duet with Ray Charles, "Over The Rainbow."

JOHNNY MATHIS GOLD 50TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CD

Johnny released a Christmas compilation CD for his 50th Anniversary as a Recording Artist, 2006. The CD includes memorable Christmas songs from his many Christmas albums that he has released since his first one, in 1958, titled MERRY CHRISTMAS. The CD also includes a track never previously released, Johnny's duet with Bette Midler, "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow." The other tracks: "Sleigh Ride," "The Christmas Song," "Silver Bells," "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," "Toyland," "Caroling, Caroling/Happy Holidays," "The Christmas Waltz," "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," and "O Tannenbaum," performed with Mannheim Steamroller.

JOHNNY MATHIS 50TH ANNIVERSARY PBS SPECIAL

Johnny's 50th Anniversary as a Recording Artist was celebrated with a PBS Special, that aired on the PBS Television Channels throughout the country, starting in the month of December 2006. The Special featured a concert taped at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City on Friday, October 27, 2006. The Special also included an interview with Johnny at his home in the Hollywood Hills, and footage of him on a recent trip to San Francisco, along with many photos and television clips in biography style.

THE BRITISH CONCERTS

Johnny returned to England for a 3-concert tour, after an absence of 10 years from concert performances in the United Kingdom. 22,000 tickets were sold for the 3 September concerts: Wembley, Birmingham, and Manchester. It was a great success, with a lot of very happy British fans!

THE SOCIETY OF SINGERS AWARD

Johnny was honored by the Society of Singers, when he was presented with their 15th annual Ella Award, at a gala event, held on the night of September 12, 2006, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California.

JOHNNY DUETS WITH BETTE MIDLER

Johnny recorded a Christmas duet with Bette Midler, a medley of "Winter Wonderland"/"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow." This duet was released on Johnny's 50th Aniversary Christmas CD, as well as on Bette Midler's own Christmas CD .. both released for Christmas Season, 2006.

JOHNNY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY AS A RECORDING ARTIST

Johnny was presented with a City of Los Angeles Proclamation of his 50th Anniversary of being a Recording Artist, on the very day of his 50th Anniversary, March 14, 2006. Also, there was a big sheet cake, the top was an exact replica of his 50th Logo, black background/gold letters: Johnny Mathis 50th Anniversary The Voice of Romance.

A GRAMMY NOMINATION

Johnny's lastest CD release ISN'T IT ROMANTIC:THE STANDARDS ALBUM was nominated for a Grammy this year, 2006, in the category: Best Traditional Pops Vocal Album. This was Johnny's third Grammy nomination.

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC:THE STANDARDS ALBUM

Johnny's new CD ISN'T IT ROMANTIC:THE STANDARDS ALBUM was released on February 1, 2005, and is available at all outlets. Produced by Jorge Calandrelli and Jay Landers, the CD includes the songs: "Isn't It Romantic," "Almost Like Being In Love," "Our Love Is Here To Stay," "This Can't Be Love," "Cottage For Sale," "Day By Day," "There's A Kind Of Hush," "Dindi" and "The Rainbow Connection." This CD also includes, as the 10th track, the previously released duet with Ray Charles, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." Johnny recorded all of the songs for this CD project in the recording studio, along with the entire studio orchestra. At the same recording session, Johnny was photographed by famous photographer William Claxton, for the cover of the CD.

THE ESSENTIAL JOHNNY MATHIS

Johnny's newest compilation CD was released in May 2004, in time for Mother's Day. THE ESSENTIAL JOHNNY MATHIS C2K 63562 is a 2-CD set with a selection of 40 of his greatest recordings, ranging from the 1950's to the 2000's. The Sony Legacy "Essentials" line has been very successful, and it is appropriate that they have finally added Johnny Mathis to the series. This CD set should be readily available to all.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Johnny has recorded a duet with Ray Charles, the well-known classic "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." This duet will be included on an upcoming Ray Charles CD of all duets with many artists, titled GENIUS LOVES COMPANY. This CD is scheduled to be released in August.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Johnny has recorded one of his concert crowd-pleasing favorites, the rollicking "Let The Good Times Roll." It has been released on a new CD from Johnny's past conductor/arranger Gordon Goodwin and his The Big Phat Band. This jazzy CD, featuring Johnny Mathis, along with several other guest artists, is titled simply: XXL - Silverline 281206-2. For more information about this release, go to Gordon's website: www.gordongoodwin.com

NEW CD RELEASES

Johnny's 1973 album I'M COMING HOME has been released on CD for the first time. Johnny worked with composer, arranger and producer Thom Bell, and songwriter Linda Creed to create one of his most memorable albums. Over the years, Johnny has sung the title track in concert, as well as "Stop, Look And Listen To Your Heart," "I'm Stone In Love With You," and "Life Is A Song Worth Singing." After 30 years of its original release, I'M COMING HOME promises to be even more thrilling to hear on CD. / For the first time on a Johnny Mathis release, album or single, the familiar theme from the award-winning television show of the 80's, FAMILY TIES, "Without Us" is now available! The album THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR has been released on CD again, but this time there are additional bonus tracks, like "Without Us." Also, "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" and "Emotion" (from YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE), and "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (from A SPECIAL PART OF ME) are added bonus tracks, all of which are duets with Deniece Williams.

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

Johnny made several television appearances during the month of December, 2002 to promote his new CD THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM. On the ABC Christmas Special, CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN, which aired on December 8, Johnny sang "Away In A Manger." Next, Johnny was the very special guest on the syndicated 2-hour THE 5TH ANNUAL SOUL TRAIN CHRISTMAS STARFEST, where he opened the show with "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," and closed the show with "Merry Christmas." Then, Johnny was a guest on the NBC THE TODAY SHOW, which aired on December 17, where he was interviewed by Katie Couric, and he sang "Away In A Manger" and "Holly Jolly Christmas." Following that, he was also a guest on THE WEEKEND TODAY SHOW, where he was interviewed and sang "Frosty The Snowman." Before all of this, Johnny's new CD was one of the "Oprah's favorite things" and was featured on the OPRAH WINFREY show, which aired on November 25, with several Johnny Christmas tracks being played throughout this show, and Oprah declaring that "Christmas was just not Christmas in her home, without Johnny's Christmas CD's playing on the stereo."

JOHNNY MATHIS / 2003 GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Johnny is a recipient of the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. The formal acknowledgement will be made at a ceremony in conjunction with the 45th Annual GRAMMY awards, the Nominee Banquet, which will be held on February 22, 2003, in New York. The GRAMMY awards telecast will take place the next night, on February 23, at Madison Square Garden. Finally, the Academy (NARAS) recognizes the fact that Johnny Mathis is one of the most important and influencial male vocalists of American popular music ever, and has been recording all of the pop standards and Broadway music for over 46 years!

JOHNNY MATHIS / THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM

The new Johnny Mathis Christmas CD titled THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM has been released, Columbia CK 86814, for the Christmas Season 2002. The songs in the order of the CD are: "Joy To The World," "Heavenly Peace," "Away In A Manger," "A Christmas Love Song," "Frosty The Snowman," "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Snowfall/Christmas Time Is Here," and "Merry Christmas." This is a beautiful Christmas CD, featuring a cover photo of a very cute 4-year-old Johnny! THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM is the newest CD in a line of Johnny Mathis Christmas Releases, dating back to 1958, further proving that Johnny Mathis is not only the Voice of Romance ... he is the Voice of Christmas.

JOHNNY MATHIS CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Johnny Mathis is featured on a musical Christmas ornament from the American Greeting Cards Corporation. This item is available at American Greetings Shops and Carlton Shops throughout the country. The ornament is about 5 inches tall, with a colorful winter scene background .. with Johnny in the front, in a ski outfit, holding his ski equipment, exactly as he appeared on the cover of his 1958 Christmas album, MERRY CHRISTMAS. Batteries are included, with a sound chip that plays part of Johnny's recording of "Winter Wonderland." Look for it now!

JOHNNY MATHIS NEW CHRISTMAS CD

Johnny Mathis has started recording the songs for a new Christmas CD, due to be released in time for the Holiday Season of 2002. Johnny has released several Christmas albums/CD's over the years, including MERRY CHRISTMAS in 1958, THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS in 1963, GIVE ME YOUR LOVE FOR CHRISTMAS in 1969, CHRISTMAS EVE in 1986, and LISTEN! IT'S CHRISTMAS (with CeCe Winans) in 1999. All who know and enjoy these recordings would agree that Christmas is not complete without Johnny's Christmas music playing on the stereo.

JOHNNY MATHIS AWARDS UPDATE

Johnny Mathis has received a platinum album for his contribution to the 2001 Holiday Season double-CD NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL CHRISTMAS, which has gone multi-platinum for selling over 4,000,000 copies. Johnny's recording of the Christmas song "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year", from his 1986 release CHRISTMAS EVE, was included in the top-selling CD. / Johnny Mathis has once again been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1998, he made the famous Hall with: "Chances Are" Columbia Traditional Pop Single 1957. Now, for 2002, Johnny's done it again with: "Misty" Columbia Traditional Pop Single 1959. The Grammy Hall of Fame was created in 1973 to honor works from all the major catagories of music for their enduring artistic and historical value. To be considered, a recording must be at least 25 years old.

JOHNNY MATHIS HOLIDAY CHEER

Johnny Mathis is the featured solo vocalist on the new Mannheim Steamroller CD CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE on the American Gramaphone label. Johnny sings the traditional Christmas song "O Tannenbaum" along with Mannheim and the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club. There are two nice photos of Johnny inside the CD booklet, taken at the recording session. / The JOHNNY MATHIS LIVE BY REQUEST DVD/VHS will be released on December 18, 2001. Johnny recorded the A&E television show LIVE BY REQUEST back on May 28, 1998, at Sony Studios in the City of New York, on a "LIVE" format. It was a spectacular show! This DVD/VHS has been very long-awaited, and will be a most important addition to every Johnny Mathis Collection.

JOHNNY MATHIS AT THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Johnny Mathis slipped quietly into the Silver Baron Ballroom at the Silver Legacy Resort, where the large gathering of his fans awaited his arrival with great anticipation. Looking very cool in a colorful Hawaiian-style shirt, dark blue pants and brown leather sandles, Johnny smiled and waved to everybody from his seat at the head table. Photography flashes went off continuously and video cameras filmed from every part of the room, while Johnny calmly took sips from his water glass, and looked across the table at Gil & Carrie Riegers and Joe Lizama with playful grins. He then went up to the stage, and was presented a very special 45th Anniversary award, from all of his devoted fans. Still holding the award, Johnny took the podium and gave a brief and emotional speech. Tears glistened on his dark velvet cheeks as he spoke: " ... Over the years, you know, I've often wondered why you cared, why you did what you do for me, but I've stopped wondering. Because there's no use. You do it, and I'm grateful, and I'm moved, and I'm everything. I try to show it in my singing, that's about the only way I can do it. But, you are very, very dear to me, I love you all very much. Thank you ... " Thank you for 45 years of your Beautiful Voice. You are a part of our lives, and we will always admire, appreciate and love you.

JOHNNY MATHIS 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The year 2001 marks Johnny's 45th Anniversary as a Recording Artist, and Concert SuperStar. The Johnny Mathis International Fan Club and its Chapters, from around the United States, will celebrate this monumental Anniversary when a large group of their members meet at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nevada, for the weekend of July 6 & 7. The celebration will include attending the Johnny Mathis concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights, and gathering together for the 45th Anniversary Party (starting with an early dinner) to be held on Saturday afternoon. Among the planned activities for the Party is watching vintage videos of Johnny Mathis television performances, from such older shows as THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW and THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON.

JOHNNY ENTERTAINS AT BEVERLY HILLS FUND-RAISER

Johnny performed for the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center 75th Diamond gala on Saturday, May 19, 200l. The LOS ANGELES TIMES reported: What happens when you lose your "legend" performer? Even in L.A., it's not easy to find another on short notice. But, when Tony Bennett canceled after the invitations were in the mail for Santa Monica-UCLA MedicalCenter's 75th Anniversary gala May 19, another legend saved the day - Johnny Mathis. Mathis sauntered onto the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel stage and sang his heart out with a voice that seemed as clear as it was 45 years ago when he cut his first album. More than 500 guests packed the ballroom for the dinner dance and silent auction, for the event that raised more than $700,000 for the center's Orthopaedic Hospital Replacement Project currently underway.

JOHNNY MATHIS / WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL

In 1957, Fontana Records in Great Britain released the first Johnny Mathis album released there, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL. Subsequently, also in 1957, Fontana went back and released the second album released there JOHNNY MATHIS, which was a counterpart of the album that had been Johnny Mathis' first album released in the United States, in 1956. Here it was called: JOHNNY MATHIS A NEW SOUND IN POPULAR SONG. It was strictly a Jazz album. However, in Great Britain, this album became a mixure of the original jazz songs and some of the ballad songs that Johnny had by then recorded. Deleted from the Fontana release were: "Babalu," "Caravan," "Autumn In Rome," "Cabin In The Sky" and "Angel Eyes." (These last 3 songs are my favorites from JOHNNY MATHIS A NEW SOUND IN POPULAR SONG.) In their place, Fontana added: "Wild Is The Wind," "Come To Me," "When I Am With You," "No Love (But Your Love)" and "The Twelfth Of Never." Now, Sony Music in Great Britain has released a new CD with these two albums, exactly like the original Fontana releases, including the original Fontana album covers on the front of the CD: JOHNNY MATHIS / WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL 497603 2. This is the "Two on One" format that we have seen before, from Sony Music in Great Britain, when they call it: Two Classic Albums From Johnny Mathis.

CELEBRITY GOLF UPDATE

Johnny Mathis hosted and played in his own charity golf tournament in Northern Ireland, on Sunday, September 17, 2000 at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. The same as last year, the SHELL JOHNNY MATHIS GOLF CLASSIC was held in aid of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). / The week before, Johnny Mathis once again played in the SHELL HOWARD KEEL GOLF CLASSIC held at Mere Golf & Country Club in Manchester, England, on September 10, 2000.

EVENTS UPDATE

This year Johnny Mathis was honored by the Songwriter?s Hall of Fame/The National Academy of Popular Music. Johnny was awarded their prestigious Hitmaker Award for the year 2000. The presentation took place on June 15, at their 31st Annual Awards Dinner, in New York City. They wrote to Johnny: "Your brilliant performances for more than five decades on recordings, concerts, and television have thrilled audiences everywhere. You are a most deserving honoree." / THE NEW YORKER magazine published a Profiles article on Johnny Mathis in their July 3, 2000 issue. The article is called "Forever Johnny" and includes 7 pages of text, and a drawing of Johnny in tux. This is a a very honest, insightful and interesting portrait of Johnny, not at all the usual fair, and is very much worth the reading. To purchase back issues: 800/753-7276 .

MATHIS ON BROADWAY/FINAL UPDATE

MATHIS ON BROADWAY will be the title of the new Johnny Mathis Broadway CD. It is now scheduled to be released on April 25 of this year. The tracks of MATHIS ON BROADWAYinclude: "On Broadway" (from Smokey Joe?s Cafe), "Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries" (from Fosse) (featuring Forever Plaid), "Loving You" (from Passion), "They Live In You" (from The Lion King), "Bring Him Home" (from Les Miserables), "All I Ask Of You" (from Phantom Of The Opera), "Once Upon A Dream" (from Jekyll & Hyde), "Seasons Of Love" (from Rent) (duet with Nel Carter), "Children Will Listen" (from Into The Woods) / "Our Children" (from Ragtime) (duet with Betty Buckley).

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

Johnny will appear on the Weekend Today Show in New York City, on Sunday morning, April 23, where he will sing "On Broadway" from his new CD MATHIS ON BROADWAY. / On Tuesday morning, April 25, Johnny will appear on the Regis & Kathie Lee Show, where he will sing "Children Will Listen" from MATHIS ON BROADWAY. / On May 3, Johnny will tape the Donny & Marie Show, where he will sing "Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries" and "Loving You" from MATHIS ON BROADWAY.

CHARITY BENEFIT CONCERT

Johnny will perform for the Easter Bonnet Broadway Competition Show in New York City, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, on April 25 at 4:00 pm. Johnny will sing two songs from his new CD MATHIS ON BROADWAY, scheduled to be released on that day, along with Betty Buckley and Forever Plaid.

THE WAX MUSEUM

A new Madame Tussaud Wax Museum has opened at the new Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Along with many other celebrities, Johnny Mathis' wax portrait figure is now on display at this famous wax museum. Johnny's portrait figure is featured in a concert pose, attired in a lime-green blazer-style jacket, open-collar black silk shirt and black pants. His right hand is placed over his heart, and his left hand in his pant's pocket. They say it is a striking replica of the handsome Johnny Mathis, as he looks today.

DOUBLE CD / U.K. RELEASE

JOHNNY MATHIS BALLADS OF BROADWAY/RHYTHMS OF BROADWAY has been released in the United Kingdom by Sony Music Entertainment Inc. on Columbia 494622 2. It is a double CD package, with two photos of Johnny on the cover, taken from the original double-album release of 1960, called THE RHYTHMS AND BALLADS OF BROADWAY. Inside, there are pages to duplicate the covers (front and back) of the 2 albums that were released in 1964, individually, one for The Ballads, and another for The Rhythms. The double CD includes the 24 original tracks from the original double LP. Each of these Broadway show tunes has been given that young Mathis' interpretation, a unique combination of seductiveness and innocence, with enunciation that is impeccable. The Ballads: "Moanin' Low," "Fun To Be Fooled," "I Have Dreamed," "On The Sunny Side Of The Street," "My Romance," "Dancing On The Ceiling," " I Married An Angel," "Isn't It A Pity," "Spring Is Here," "Don't Blame Me," "Taking A Chance On Love," "The Party's Over." The Rhythms: "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Guys And Dolls," "I Wish I Were In Love Again," "You Do Something To Me," "Let's Misbehave," "I Could Have Danced All Night," "A Cock-Eyed Optimist," "I Just Found Out About Love," "Let's Do It," "I Am In Love," "Love Eyes," "Love Is A Gamble."

JOHNNY AT BALLY'S LAS VEGAS

Johnny Mathis walked onto the stage at the Bally's Las Vegas Jubilee Theatre to a standing ovation. He looked trim, young and handsome as he began the first of two shows, for Friday and Saturday, May 14 & 15. Wearing a lime-green jacket with black shirt and pants, he began the performance by thanking and welcoming his audience and saying that he would sing: "... some songs that are favorites of mine." A brilliant Henry Mancini medley was the first of his musical offerings, including: "Two For The Road," "Lovers In New York," "The Days Of Wine And Roses" and "Moon River." He continued with smooth as silk renditions of: "All In The Game," "You Make Me Feel Brand New," "Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart." He sang his signature "Misty" and those crowd-pleasing mega-hits from the past, "Chances Are" and "Wonderful, Wonderful." He ended his first set with a snappy, foot-tapping "To The Ends Of The Earth." / Johnny came back for the second part of his show, splendid in black tuxedo, and started out with an exotically powerful medley from the Broadway Musical KISMET that included: "Baubles, Bangles & Beads" and "Stranger In Paradise." He followed with a body-swaying rendering of "I'm On The Outside Looking In" ... then a mind-swimming "Live For Life" ... and a heart-stirring "Why Did I Choose You." Guitarist Gil Reigers joined Johnny for the quick and eager pace of "99 Miles From L.A." and continued with the sweet and longing melody of "The Twelfth Of Never." The finale came next, a medley of happy music from Brazil that had everybody in the audience trying to do the samba, while staying in their seats. Johnny sang "Felicidade" and "Manha De Carnaval" in Portuguese, and "Brazil" in English. For an encore, he gave an incomparable interpretation of the haunting "Long Ago And Far Away." ..... "Just one look and then I knew, that all I longed for long ago was you." ..... From start to finish, Johnny Mathis gives his audience what they came to see and hear - a Classy Performance, from the timeless singer who has been appropriately called The Voice of Romance.

 



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