Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis born 30 September 1935

John Royce Mathis, known popularly as Johnny Mathis, is an icon and American popular music singer.

The last in a long line of traditional male vocalists who emerged before the rock-dominated 1960s, Mathis concentrated on romantic jazz and pop standards for the adult contemporary audience through to the 2000s. Starting his career with a standard flurry of singles, Mathis was far more popular as an album artist, with several dozens of his LPs receiving gold and platinum status and over 60 made the Billboard charts.

Mathis was the first black entertainer to become a millionaire before the age of 21 and is one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world. He was the first entertainer to perform to integrated audiences in South Africa in 1977, helping to dismantle the apartheid system.

Johnny Mathis has the distinction of being the first recording artist to have a 'Greatest Hits' album released. The album, simply titled Johnny's Greatest Hits was released in 1958 and peaked at number one in Billboard's Pop Album charts. It would stay on the charts for nearly ten years.

He has performed for more heads of state than any other performer, with 6 performances at the White House and 2 command performances for the British Royal Family; and numerous other presidents, royalty and prime ministers.

Mathis is one of only a few recording artists whose career has spanned six decades.

He made his homosexuality public in 1982, which has had little effect on his incredible popularity. However, he revealed in 2006 that a death threat following that coming out had prompted him to remain silent on the subject for over 20 years.

Mathis continues to perform and release successful recordings.

Johnny Mathis