| A Chronological History |
September 30 1935 |
Johnny is born to Clemmie & Mildred Mathis, the fourth of seven children, in Gilmer, Texas. When Johnny is a little boy, his father relocates the Mathis family to San Francisco, California. |
| 1948 | At 13 years of age, Johnny is taken by his father to a local voice teacher to begin formal musical training. In payment for lessons, Johnny agrees to do odd jobs and run errands. |
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September 1955 |
Singing at San Francisco jazz clubs, Johnny is soon heard by Columbia
Records executive George Avakian, who sends the famous telegram: "Have
found phenomenal 19-year old boy who could go all the way. Send blank contracts." |
| 1956 | While attending San Francisco State College, Johnny excels in track sports, and sets a high jump record. He is asked to attend the trials of the 1956 Olympic Games. |
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March 1956 |
Johnny travels to New York for his first recording session for Columbia Records. |
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July 1956 |
Columbia Records releases Johnny's first album, JOHNNY MATHIS: A NEW SOUND IN POPULAR SONG, a collection of jazz-oriented renditions of popular standards. |
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January 1957 |
"Wonderful, Wonderful" becomes Johnny's first single to enter the charts. |
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June 1957 |
Johnny appears on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. He makes regular appearances with host Ed Sullivan throughout the years. |
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July 1957 |
"It's Not For Me To Say" is a big chart Hit for Johnny, reaching the �5 position. |
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November 1957 |
"Chances Are" becomes Johnny's first �1 Hit on the Billboard Pop Chart. |
| 1958 | Johnny appears in the motion picture A Certain Smile, playing himself and singing the title song. His voice and songs are used in countless movies, from then to the present. |
| 1958 | The Academy Awards presentations include Johnny's song "Wild Is The Wind," and Johnny is asked to sing this "Best Song" nomination. In following years, he goes on to sing many other nominated songs at the celebrated Hollywood Oscar Nights. |
| 1958 | Columbia Records releases Johnny's fourth album, calling it JOHNNY'S GREATEST HITS, and beginning a "Greatest Hits" tradition copied by every other record company since. JOHNNY'S GREATEST HITS becomes one of the most popular albums of all time and spends an unprecedented 490 continuous weeks on the Billboard Album Chart. |
| 1960 | The song "Misty" is recorded by Johnny, and he is nominated for a Grammy, in the category of Best Vocal Performance for a Single Record or Track. |
| 1962 | Johnny guests on the Tonight Show for the first time, and becomes a frequent guest over the years, making more than 50 appearances with host Johnny Carson. |
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June 1972 |
The City of Los Angeles awards Johnny his own star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
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June 1973 |
Johnny sings at the White House for the President and Heads of State for the first time. In following years, he is invited by every Administration to sing for the President and First Lady for many important events. |
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April 1978 |
Johnny sings for the British Royal Family at a Command Performance held at the London Palladium. |
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June 1978 |
"Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" (duet with Deniece Williams) becomes Johnny's second �1 Hit on the Billboard Pop Chart. |
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June 1981 |
At his 25th Anniversary as a Recording Artist, Johnny is paid tribute with a gala celebration, where he is presented the "Spirit of Life" award by the City of Hope/Music Industry Chapter. |
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May 1982 |
San Francisco State College begins its annual Johnny Mathis Invitational Track & Field Meet, named in honor of its past track star, who often attends this event. |
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March 1985 |
Johnny is asked to host his own golf tournament, the Johnny Mathis Seniors PGA Classic, held at MountainGate Country Club, Los Angeles, California. |
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March 1986 |
The second Johnny Mathis Seniors PGA Classic golf tournament is held at MountainGate Country Club. |
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February 1992 |
Johnny has released IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD - MATHIS SINGS ELLINGTON and he is again nominated for a Grammy, this time in the category of Best Traditional Pop Performance. |
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October 1993 |
Johnny presents his debut concerts at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York. |
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July 1995 |
In Los Angeles, Johnny is inducted into the Greek Theatre's Wall of Fame as the second biggest ticket seller in the long history of this amphitheatre. |
| March 1996 |
Johnny celebrates his 40th Anniversary as a Recording Artist. (All 40 years have been with Columbia Records, except for 3 years in the middle 60's, when he recorded with Mercury Records.) Johnny continues to record at least one album annually. |
| 1998 | Johnny's "Chances Are" is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Columbia Traditional Pop Single 1957. |
| 2000 | Johnny's "Misty" is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Columbia Tradional Pop Single 1959. |
| March 2001 |
Johnny celebrates his 45th Anniversary as a Recording Artist, releasing his latest CD MATHIS ON BROADWAY. |
| February 2003 |
Johnny receives the 2003 GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. |
| February 2006 |
Johnny has released ISN'T IT ROMANTIC: THE STANDARDS ALBUM and he is once again nominated for a Grammy, this time in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. |
| March 2006 |
Johnny celebrates his 50th Anniversary as a Recording Artist. Johnny continues to record albums, and he is in demand to record with other artists who want him on their album releases. |
| February 2011 |
Johnny has released LET IT BE ME:MATHIS IN NASHVILLE and he is once again nominated for a Grammy, again this time in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. |
| February 2015 |
Johnny has released SENDING YOU A LITTLE CHRISTMAS and is once again nominated for a Grammy, again this time in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. |
| March 2016 |
Johnny celebrates his 60th Anniversary as a Recording Artist. Johnny continues to record albums, and is in demand to perform in concerts all over the United States, to packed audiences. |
by MARIA NIEMELA (2015) |