Singer, Songwriter. He is credited with penning more than 500 tunes over the course of his long career. In 1949, he began singing professionally when he was signed to the Star Talent Label with partner Jimmy Lee Fautheree, as the country duo Jimmy and Johnny. Together they scored a Top 10 hit with "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" (1953). In 1955, Jimmy and Johnny were teamed with Elvis Presley and the Louisiana Hayride stars for tours which increased their popularity. In the early 1960s he signed with United Artists as a solo act, billing himself as Country Johnny Mathis to avoid being confused with pop singer Johnny Mathis, and had his biggest hit single with "Please Talk to My Heart" in 1963. He also appeared in the Grand Ole Opry, The Wilburn Brothers Show, Nashville Now, and other country music shows. In the following years he wrote such hits as "Something In Your World", "Every Time I Look At You", "You Can Tell The World", "I Owe It To My Heart", and "I'm Gonna Thank Jesus". Numerous artists have recorded his songs, including George Jones, Charley Pride, Johnny Paycheck, Tammy Wynette, Wanda Jackson and rocker Elvis Costello. From the 1970s to 1990s, he spent most of his time evangelizing across the country, writing and singing Gospel music. In 1999, Mathis suffered a stroke which left him no longer able to perform. He died of complications from pneumonia, at age 80.
Singer, Songwriter. He is credited with penning more than 500 tunes over the course of his long career. In 1949, he began singing professionally when he was signed to the Star Talent Label with partner Jimmy Lee Fautheree, as the country duo Jimmy and Johnny. Together they scored a Top 10 hit with "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" (1953). In 1955, Jimmy and Johnny were teamed with Elvis Presley and the Louisiana Hayride stars for tours which increased their popularity. In the early 1960s he signed with United Artists as a solo act, billing himself as Country Johnny Mathis to avoid being confused with pop singer Johnny Mathis, and had his biggest hit single with "Please Talk to My Heart" in 1963. He also appeared in the Grand Ole Opry, The Wilburn Brothers Show, Nashville Now, and other country music shows. In the following years he wrote such hits as "Something In Your World", "Every Time I Look At You", "You Can Tell The World", "I Owe It To My Heart", and "I'm Gonna Thank Jesus". Numerous artists have recorded his songs, including George Jones, Charley Pride, Johnny Paycheck, Tammy Wynette, Wanda Jackson and rocker Elvis Costello. From the 1970s to 1990s, he spent most of his time evangelizing across the country, writing and singing Gospel music. In 1999, Mathis suffered a stroke which left him no longer able to perform. He died of complications from pneumonia, at age 80.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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