Johnny Mathis ends 70-year singing career at 89

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After an illustrious career spanning seven decades, legendary vocalist Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement from live performances at age 89, citing concerns about his advancing age and memory difficulties.

The announcement came through a statement on the singer’s Facebook page, acknowledging his approaching 90th birthday and expressing “sincere regret” about the decision to step away from touring and live concerts due to his accelerating health challenges.

I'm deeply moved to hear that Johnny Mathis is retiring from live performance as of this May at the age of 89. I attended his February 8 concert in Clearwater and captured this heavenly performance of "Shenandoah." Truly, one of the most beautiful things you could ever listen to. pic.twitter.com/B0U4GZ9FLO

— Christian Blauvelt (@ctblauvelt) March 27, 2025

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The beloved “Misty” vocalist had originally planned to continue his “2025 Voice of Romance Tour” through early November, but his team has now canceled the final four performances. His farewell concert is set for May 18, 2025, at New Jersey’s Bergen Performing Arts Center, a 1,367-seat venue that has already reached capacity. Eager fans are now finding tickets on third-party platforms starting at $474.

Expressing gratitude to his worldwide fanbase, the statement concluded with a reference to one of his biggest hits: “It’s truly been ‘Wonderful, Wonderful.'”

https://twitter.com/RaymondArroyo/status/190503740297415902

Despite the end of his touring career, Mathis’ fan club has hinted at potential new music releases. The Texas-born artist, who grew up in San Francisco, faced a pivotal moment in his youth when he chose recording his 1956 debut album, “Johnny Mathis: A New Sound In Popular Song,” over participating in the US Olympic trials as a high jumper.

His breakthrough came in 1957 with the chart-topping singles “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not For Me To Say.” As Columbia Records’ longest-serving artist, Mathis received his first Grammy nomination in 1960 for “Misty.” His repertoire includes numerous Christmas classics like “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.”

Having released dozens of studio albums, including his latest Christmas collection in 2023, the never-married performer plans to spend his retirement years embracing a more relaxed lifestyle.