The Voice Of Romance: Is Johnny Mathis Still Alive? What To Know About His Final Chapter And Retirement

As of December 2025, the legendary 'Voice of Romance,' Johnny Mathis, is absolutely still alive and continues to be one of the most beloved figures in music history. The pop icon, who is currently 89 and will turn 90 in September 2025, remains a pillar of the Great American Songbook, a career spanning nearly seven decades. However, the most significant and recent update is a bittersweet one for fans globally, marking the end of an era for live performances. The singer, known for timeless hits like "Misty" and "Chances Are," recently made a major announcement regarding his storied career on the road. Due to his advancing age and what has been described as "accelerated" memory issues, Johnny Mathis has announced his official retirement from live touring and concerts. This fresh news has dominated the music world, confirming that his *Voice of Romance Tour* dates in late 2024 and early 2025 will be his final opportunities to see the star perform.

The Enduring Legacy: Johnny Mathis's Complete Biography & Profile

John Royce Mathis, better known as Johnny Mathis, is an American singer of popular music whose career began in the mid-1950s. His smooth, velvety voice and romantic delivery made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century. His enduring popularity has seen him record in a variety of styles, including jazz, pop, and R&B, maintaining a career that has captivated multiple generations of listeners. His biography and profile are a testament to a life dedicated to music: * Full Name: John Royce Mathis * Date of Birth: September 30, 1935 * Current Age: 89 (turning 90 in September 2025) * Birthplace: Gilmer, Texas, U.S. * Parents: Clem and Mildred Mathis * Early Life: He was the fourth of seven children. His family moved to San Francisco, where his father, Clem Mathis, recognized and nurtured his son's talent from an early age, teaching him songs and encouraging his vocal development. * Education/Sports: Mathis was a talented athlete in high school, excelling in track and field, specifically the high jump. He even attended San Francisco State University on an athletic scholarship before ultimately choosing a career in music. * Career Start: While performing in a local club in San Francisco, he was discovered by Columbia Records producer George Avakian in 1955. * Debut Album: *Johnny Mathis: A New Sound in Popular Song* (1956). * Signature Hits: "Chances Are" (1957), "It's Not for Me to Say" (1957), "The Twelfth of Never" (1957), and "Misty" (1959). * Discography: He has recorded 74 studio albums to date. * Status: Unmarried, openly gay.

The Voice of Romance: A Look at His Final Chapter

The question of "Is Johnny Mathis still alive?" is often intertwined with curiosity about his ongoing activity and health. The current reality is that while he is alive and relatively well for his age, the demanding schedule of a touring artist has become too much. This has led to the monumental decision to retire from the stage, a move that was officially announced to the public recently.

The Reason Behind the Retirement Announcement

Mathis, an easy listening hitmaker for nearly seven decades, announced his retirement citing both his age and, more specifically, "accelerated" memory issues. His final scheduled concert is set for May 18, 2025, in Englewood, New Jersey. All concerts scheduled from June 2025 onwards have been regrettably canceled. This news provides a very fresh and unique perspective on the singer, highlighting the human element behind the enduring star. At 89, the decision to step away from the rigors of travel and performance is understandable, yet it is a significant moment for the music industry, as it signals the close of one of the longest and most successful touring careers ever.

Upcoming Final Tour Dates (2024–2025)

Fans still have a small window of opportunity to witness his legendary voice live. The remaining dates on his *Voice of Romance Tour* are now highly sought-after, as they represent the final curtain call for the iconic performer. * September 2024: Includes a special birthday concert on September 28 in Stamford, CT. * April 2025: Scheduled performances include Shippensburg, PA, and Shiphewana, IN. * May 2025: The tour concludes with the final performance on May 18 in Englewood, NJ. This final run of shows is a celebration of his life's work, allowing fans to say goodbye to the man who defined romantic music for generations. The announcement has brought a fresh surge of attention to his discography and his incredible longevity in a notoriously fickle industry.

His Greatest Hits and Unmatched Accolades

Johnny Mathis’s career is not just about its length; it is defined by its massive commercial success and critical recognition. His work is a masterclass in vocal performance, blending pop sensibility with classical training. He became a staple on the *Billboard* charts and a perennial favorite on radio stations, particularly during the holiday season.

A Billboard and Recording Industry Powerhouse

Mathis's commercial success is staggering, solidifying his status as a true legend. His work has been consistently popular, proving the timeless nature of his "easy listening" style. * Chart Domination: 73 of his albums have reached the *Billboard* Top Album charts. * Sales Milestones: He has achieved 13 Gold Records and an impressive eight Platinum Records. * Singles Success: Of his approximately 200 singles, 71 have successfully charted. * The Christmas King: Mathis is one of the few artists to have had a record on the *Billboard* charts for six consecutive decades, largely fueled by the enduring popularity of his Christmas albums, which have become holiday classics.

Major Awards and Honors

The industry has bestowed numerous high honors upon Mathis, recognizing his profound influence and contributions to music. These accolades underscore his topical authority in the world of American popular song. * Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award: He received this prestigious honor in 2003, acknowledging his entire body of work. * Grammy Hall of Fame: Three of his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to their historical significance. * Hollywood Walk of Fame: Mathis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. * Best-Selling Artist: He is recognized as one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century. The news of his retirement, while sad, has prompted a renewed appreciation for his monumental career. His voice, which has been described as "angelic-voiced," is a central entity in the history of American popular music. The question "Is Johnny Mathis still alive?" is answered with a resounding yes, but the more important story is the celebration of his final act—a farewell tour for a performer whose songs will live on forever. Fans are encouraged to celebrate his legacy now, as the curtain is preparing to close on his incredible live performance run in May 2025.