Singing legend Johnny Mathis set for Wolf Trap show

Johnny Mathis treats the Wolf Trap audience to an evening of songs that have been background scores to millions of lives since the release in 1957 of his first recording, “Wonderful, Wonderful.” As the strains of his large orchestra penetrate the park, he will walk on stage for the opening number, one he promises will put everyone at ease.

The ice broken, he will launch into one number after another bursting with memories. His forever young voice, the perfect foil for the magical tunes blending romance and rhythm, will revisit dozens of chart-topping recordings and show-stopping television appearances. The recipient of multiple awards, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Mathis spreads happiness wherever he sings.

“The stories behind my music mean a great deal to me, none more than ‘Wonderful, Wonderful,’ my first recording of a pop song,” he says. “Because I was raised in California I knew it was a beach song and perfect for walking along the beach. After recording it in New York, I enjoyed playing it for myself at home, but when I heard it on the radio and realized that thousands of people everywhere were hearing it at the same time, that was amazing to a boy of 19.”

At that young age, Mathis had to choose between music and plans to become an English and physical education teacher. After lettering in track and field, he entered San Francisco State University on a scholarship, but an invitation to the Olympic tryouts conflicted with an appointment to cut his first recording. Heeding his father’s advice, he went to New York and began developing into the star Johnny Carson would call “the best ballad singer in the world.”

Unlike most pop singers, Mathis had years of vocal study under his belt. That, coupled with the tremendous lung power he developed running, allows him to dominate an orchestra in an open air venue like Wolf Trap or modulate to a whisper with duet partners in a recording studio. Because many of his signature songs are sentimental or romantic, many people may have the impression that his voice is always soft and gentle.

“Voice training is what made all the difference in the world,” he says. “I’ve advised many young people interested in a music career to find someone who can help them vocally and eliminate the nervousness of singing in front of people. I’ve found it fascinating that I can record with people I never thought would work out well. I’ve recorded with all different kinds of singers like Deniece Williams, Gladys Knight, Lena Horne, Dionne Warwick and Larry Gatlin, performing all different kinds of music, and yet we fit together perfectly.”

An avid golfer and accomplished chef, Mathis looks forward to playing at Congressional Country Club with friends while in Washington and perhaps whipping up a meal utilizing local produce. Wherever he travels, he is a fervent supporter of charities and is highly regarded in Great Britain where his concerts are always packed, as are the many golf tournaments with which he has been involved to benefit abused children.

“I’m happy to play golf for a good cause,” he says. “Anything you can do to show people life is good is worth while. In this country, we have more reasons to be happy than most people in the world, so it’s nice to be able to share with others.”

An evening with Johnny Mathis is always noteworthy for the smiles on the faces of the audience during and after the show. Although his Wolf Trap concert will not begin to scratch his enormous repertoire, he promises that fans will hear special favorites throughout the program and he confesses to being just as excited as they are about the show, saying, “I wish everybody could feel the gratification I get night after night from sharing my music with those who enjoy hearing it.”

Editor’s note: This story was originally posted with the byline of Alexandra Greeley which was incorrect. Emily Cary is the correct byline for this story.