Johnny Mathis says goodbye – struggles with memory decline
After more than sixty years of captivating audiences with his unmistakable voice and tender, romantic ballads, the iconic Johnny Mathis is stepping away from the spotlight. At 89 years old, the beloved singer has announced his retirement from touring, citing the natural effects of age and a gradual decline in memory as the reasons behind his heartfelt decision. Though his voice remains one of the most recognizable in music history, Mathis has chosen to say goodbye on his own terms, with grace and dignity.
Known worldwide for timeless hits like “Misty,” “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” and “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” Johnny Mathis became a cornerstone of American music, earning the title “The Voice of Romance.” His final concert will take place on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey, marking the end of a remarkable era. All performances scheduled beyond June 2025 have been canceled, bringing his legendary “Voice of Romance” tour to a close.
Born in 1935 in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, Mathis began singing at the age of 13 and was quickly recognized as a prodigious talent. He signed with Columbia Records in the mid-1950s, and by the end of the decade, he had already secured his place among music’s most cherished voices. Over his career, he released more than 70 albums, sold over 350 million records globally, and earned countless awards and honors—including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Awards.
But more than statistics and accolades, it was the way Johnny Mathis made people feel that left an indelible mark. His voice was velvet smooth, warm, and endlessly soothing—a voice that filled living rooms, dance halls, and concert venues with love and longing. For generations, he sang the soundtrack of first kisses, wedding dances, quiet nights, and memories too deep for words.
Even as he prepares to retire from the road, Mathis remains deeply connected to his fans. He expressed immense gratitude to those who have supported him through the decades, acknowledging their loyalty and love as the fuel behind his enduring career. “I’ve had the joy of sharing my music for most of my life,” he shared in a recent statement. “And now, it’s time for me to rest and reflect, knowing my songs will live on in the hearts of those who listened.”
Fans who have tickets for shows scheduled after June 2025 will be issued refunds, and many have already taken to social media to share their memories, favorite songs, and personal stories about how Mathis’s music shaped their lives.
As Johnny Mathis bids farewell to the stage, his legacy remains untouchable. He is one of the few artists whose work has transcended time, whose voice remains as stirring today as it was decades ago. Whether it’s the gentle sway of “The Twelfth of Never” or the soulful ache of “Wild is the Wind,” his songs continue to echo across generations, uniting listeners through the language of love.
Though the curtain is closing on his touring life, Johnny Mathis will never truly leave the stage. His music will continue to fill the air, play at weddings and anniversaries, and remind the world what it means to sing with heart. The Voice of Romance may be retiring, but his songs will never stop singing.