Johnny Mathis

John Royce Mathis (born September 30, 1935) is an American singer of popular music. Starting his career with singles of standard music, Mathis became highly popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums achieving gold or platinum status and 73 making the Billboard charts. Mathis has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for three recordings. Mathis is the third best-selling artist of the 20th century, selling 360 million records worldwide. Although frequently described as a romantic singer, his discography includes traditional pop, Latin American, soul, rhythm and blues, show tunes, Tin Pan Alley, soft rock, blues, country music, and even a few disco songs for his album Mathis Magic in 1979. Mathis has also recorded six albums of Christmas music. In a 1968 interview, he cited Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby among his musical influences. Early life and education Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas, on September 30, 1935, the fourth of seven children of Clem Mathis and Mildred Boyd, both domestic cooks. Mathis is African-American and has stated that he has Native American ancestry on his mother's side. The family moved to San Francisco when Mathis was five years old, settling on 32nd Avenue in the Richmond District, where Mathis would grow up. Mathis' father had worked in vaudeville as a singer and pianist, and upon realizing his son's talent, bought an old upright piano for $25 (US$ in dollars) and encouraged his music. Mathis began learning songs and routines from his father; his parents also ran his fan club. Mathis' first song was "My Blue Heaven". He started singing and dancing for visitors at home, at school, and at church functions.