Johnny Mathis

One of the first singing super stars to come out. Why isn't he given more credit on Datalouge?

He's still performing at 83.

I think it's because he's a standards singer and he hasn't upped his relevance since, when, the eighties?

Did people know he was black in the 50s or was he marketed as Jewish or Italian?

His house burned down not too long ago.

Chances are, nobody but the elder boys ever heard of him.

John Waters has a whole chapter dedicated to him in his Role Models book. My mom was apoplectic when I told her Johnny Mathis was gay.

That book is pretty funny, R6. I read it when I was really sad and stressed out. I can't remember the details but it made me laugh.

R7 I'm in the middle of the audio book right now. His narration is wonderful.

Why doesn't he get more acclaim? It's not for me to say.

We've had lengthy threads on him recently.

R10, and they were wonderful, wonderful.

Any comments on his Chic album?

[quote]Why isn't he given more credit on Datalouge?

Because that dreck singing blaring fat pig Linda Ronstadt needs monthly praise too.

So fresh and pleasing and unabashedly romantic. 1957

He's one of my favorite singers: always has been. And was absolutely gorgeous.

He wasn't out. What are you talking about, OP? It's only very recently that he's acknowledged being gay.

What a delicious square and sexy boy Mathis was. I was 4 years old in 1976 but I get the prowess and sensitivity and quite fucking amazing vocal talent of Johnny Mathis. I've studied the way his mouth his moves and how he places his voice. He had hits, a lot of them when HE was young. He remained a great singer who challenged himself too. Streisand *said* that she loved him. Likely because he has that strange vocal affectation, too much vibrato and emotional sensitivity to his singing. Probably cost him some bonafides. He had other talents than Bennett, Damone, Darrin and Sinatra. A great range and sensitivity, "pretty" qualities to his voice that he was more than willing to explore. He's not as great an interpreter as the greats, but like Streisand his voice was more beautiful and thrilling. He cute too.

It's just not Christmas without him.

Johnny Mathis came out as gay in 1982 in Us Magazine, but he later avoided the subject. He later said he had received death threats because of that article.

Love him and his music. One of my first crushes. I've never heard a bad thing about him.

The CHIC-produced album is finally out on CD and vinyl.

This is some full Judy Garland arrangement on this strange song. I like Johnny better on more pop and rhythmic songs that came later. Still, his voice is stunning here.

Johnny Mathis is the greatest. Classy, cool, gorgeous voice.

I wish he would allow the release of his Playgirl photo shoot. I would then, have lead a full life.

I think my two favorite male singers of the 20th century are Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole

He was really beautiful when he was younger. Jesus...I swear gay men are the most beautiful.

Val Kilmer was his houseboy in the eighties. Do the math.

[quote]This is some full Judy Garland arrangement on this strange song.

That "strange" song is a Kurt Weill classic.

R28, you're right. Here he is in 1958 film singing "A Certain Smile", from the film.

Many young Southern gaylings sang into the box fan in the bedroom window on those hot summer days to get that “Mathis sound.” Mom would say to Pop, “See - no need to worry, dear. Bobby’s singing the songs of that completely heterosexual mulatto man now!” (Instead of the London cast album of “Flower Drum Song.”)

Love him, that handsome babe. Found Billie Eilish Instagram story where she listens to Misty

Why isn't he given more credit on Datalouge?

Doh! he's old and he's black, two demographics surpassed only by trans and frau in the DLer hate heirarchy

He deserves some credit and should be revered. Its a good story and would make a great biopic since she lived through a lot of decades. One of the last greats.

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