Johnny Mathis Finally Calls It Quits After 69 Years of Touring

[Pink Freud]

When I was just a tyke growing up in south St. Louis, my mom played "Johnny's Greatest Hits" ad nauseum on the "hi-fi". Mathis was already a superstar by his mid-20s.

Fast-forward 55 years to the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, and my wife got us nearly in the front row for Johnny's concert at age 80....and he sounded like he did on those records, this time with a full touring orchestra. It was breathtaking.

When I hosted and promoted numerous tribute concerts in northern AZ I asked impresario Terry Davies (ABBA FAB! and dozens more) when we'd finally get a Johnny Mathis tribute show. He said, "Never. Who on earth can duplicate that voice?".

Now, nearing 90 and with memory issues, Johnny's taking his long-deserved victory lap, then retiring:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertai ... 681913007/

Astoundingly, several former superstars are still touring at and past age 90: Willie Nelson. Frankie Valli. The late, great Tony Bennett went on until 94. Recently I attended a Herb Alpert and the TJB concert, and he hasn't lost a thing, as he turns 90 Monday.

And to think, I used to wonder what they'd do for a living once they hit 40.

[20th Century Boy]

Chances are, we'll never see him perform live again.