By Denny Patterson

Celebrating 67 years as a recording artist in the music industry, Johnny Mathis is still proving that he is the “Voice of Romance.”

A sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music eclipses passing fads and trends, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories. Best-known for his supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty,” he has recorded close to 80 albums, six Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records worldwide. Three of his songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2003, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

On March 23, 2023, the legendary singer will appear at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts to perform some of his greatest hits and personal favorites. Ahead of his upcoming engagement, Mathis took some time to chat with OutClique. 

Denny Patterson: We are so excited that you will be coming to South Florida with your “Voice of Romance Tour.” What can we expect?

Johnny Mathis: I sing songs that I think my voice is capable of doing at this time. I’m now a little bit over 80 years old, and I started recording these songs, like “Misty” and “Chances Are,” when I was about 30. I still sing them in my regular performances, and if I think they don’t sound as great anymore, I’ll change songs (laughs). 

Denny Patterson: What do you always hope audiences take away from your concerts?

Johnny Mathis: I hope they feel compassion for people who do what I do, because it’s a lifelong process. I’m traveling constantly and doing what I can to maintain a voice. I remember when I was a kid, my dad was my best pal, he sang to me and my siblings all the time. So, I wanted to be like him. He used to take me out to different places in San Francisco, and we were lucky to be raised there because every wonderful figure came through at some point, and I got to meet them all.

Denny Patterson: This year will mark your 67th year as a recording artist. How meaningful is this milestone for you?

Johnny Mathis: Well, the thing about what I do is what most athletes do. The most important thing is to stay healthy and safe, and what God gave you, he doesn’t take it away. As long as you keep what you’ve got, and it’s a process, you have to be very careful, then you can maintain it. My daily routine is learned from when I was very young. It’s like anybody else who does what they do. They learn how to do it, and they treasure it. 

Denny Patterson: After all these years, what keeps performing new and exciting for you?

Johnny Mathis: The thing that I enjoy the most is the process of working with musicians. They are the ones who support me, and they are the ones that don’t really receive any recognition. Some of the best musicians in the world have accompanied me, and nobody knows who they are. It’s kind of sad, but I am happy to embrace them and tell them how much I love them and their music. So many of them are only heard, but they never get acknowledged. I understand that and appreciate it to a point where I try to keep a low profile, as far as my personal life. I try to live a normal life and not be so arrogantly proud about it. But working with musicians is what keeps performing exciting and new to me. 

Denny Patterson: For those who don’t know, what made you want to pursue entertainment?

Johnny Mathis: My dad is the reason. He and my mom were my best pals, I am one of seven children, and we were all very close. The nine of us lived in four rooms for many years, and when I started to occasionally sing, somebody would give me a little money once in a while. It eventually added up, and I had the chance to move my whole family out of this terrible little dungeon that we lived in to a very nice house out by the ocean in San Francisco. It was the happiest moment of my life.