Johnny Mathis jPaper Lace and bluesman, Colin James

Legendary singer Johnny Mathis is celebrating 66 years as a Recording Artist. He’s known as The Voice of Romance and is a sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music eclipses passing fads and trends. Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories — from music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits, and holiday music, all of which has assured his reputation as one of the most enduring vocalists in music history. Best-known for his supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty”, Mathis has recorded close to 80 albums, 6 Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records worldwide. During his extensive career he has had 3 songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, achieved 50 Hits on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, ranks as the all-time #6 album artist in the history of Billboard’s pop album charts, and is the originator of the “Greatest Hits” album industry tradition. He has received 5 Grammy Nominations, and in 2003 he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Johnny continues to be Columbia Records’ longest-signed artist, and to fans of all ages The Voice of Christmas.

I was fortunate to get some time on the phone with the charismatic crooner. Take a listen to what Johnny has to say in segment three of this week’s show.