Image Credit: USA TodayJohnny Mathis, the legendary pop singer, will retire from the stage this summer due to advancing age and memory issues, his team announced in a statement on Wednesday. The 89-year-old artist, known for his timeless hits, will conclude his touring career on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.
The statement acknowledged Mathis’ upcoming 90th birthday and noted that while he remains in good spirits, the demands of touring have become increasingly challenging. His team confirmed that all concerts scheduled from June 2025 onwards have been canceled, with refunds available through the original points of purchase.
Mathis’ representative, Robert Scott, stated that while the singer’s memory difficulties have not significantly impacted his daily life, the rigorous travel schedule has taken a toll on his health. Despite maintaining his signature vocal ability, Mathis recognized that it was time to step away from live performances after an uninterrupted career spanning 69 years.
Born John Royce Mathis in 1935, the Texas native rose to fame in the 1950s with a string of chart-topping hits, including Wonderful Wonderful!, It’s Not for Me to Say, and Chances Are. Over his career, he released more than 70 albums, earning a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and an induction into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2014.
In a 2019 interview, Mathis expressed his desire to continue performing indefinitely, emphasizing his passion for music. His team expressed gratitude to fans worldwide, describing his career as truly “Wonderful, Wonderful.”
