The Songwriter

'Country' Johnny Mathis, not to be confused with the pop singer of the same name, is known for both his chart songs as a Country Music artist as well as his talent as a songwriter. He was born September 28, 1930 in Maude, Texas and learned to sing and play guitar growing up as the son of a Church of God preacher. Johnny was the middle child of 6 children in a family that sometimes would make ends meet by picking cotton in the East Texas cotton fields.

Johnny Mathis began his career as a recording artist on the record label, StarTalent, in 1949. He would go on to record for a number of record labels during the 50's, 60's and 70's including Chess, Columbia, D Records, Mercury, Decca, United Artists, Little Darlin', Hilltop and Stonegate. As a part of the duet, Jimmy and Johnny, he scored a Top 10 hit in 1953 with the song, "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" released on Chess Records. Johnny's highest charting single as a soloist, "Please Talk To My Heart"(Top 15), occurred while recording for United Artists in 1963.   He's appeared on the Louisiana Hayride, Big D Jamboree, The Grand Ole Opry, The Wilburn Brothers Show and TNN's Nashville Now  to name a few. 'Country' Johnny Mathis was a regular performer on the Louisiana Hayride through much of the 50's.   

As a songwriter, Country Johnny Mathis has had songs recorded by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Paycheck, Charlie Pride, Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean, George Hamilton IV, Freddy Fender, Webb Pierce, The Whites and many, many others. During the 60's, United Artists released a total of 5 George Jones singles that were written by Johnny. "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" was recut by over 6 different artists from Ray Price to George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Johnny Mathis has been credited with writing 400-500 songs, most of which bare his name. Several of the songs he's written have been on gold records, charted on Country radio and garnered BMI airplay performance awards.

Country Johnny Mathis spent most of his time during the 70's, 80's and 90's writing and singing Gospel music and raising a family. On February 10, 1999 he suffered a massive stroke which left him very much disabled. Johnny now resides in a small town about 35 miles south of Nashville, TN. Although he no longer is able to write or perform, his music is still loved by many and is being discovered by a whole new generation of fans who love Classic Country Music.