Early Life
Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas, the fourth of seven children of Clem Mathis and his wife, Mildred Boyd. This family moved to San Francisco, California, settling on 32nd Ave. in the Richmond District, where young Johnny grew up. His father had worked in vaudeville, and when he saw his son's talent, he bought an old upright piano for $25.00 and encouraged his efforts. Mathis began learning songs and routines from his father. His first known song was "My Blue Heaven." Mathis started singing and dancing for visitors at home, and at school and church functions.
When Johnny was age 13, a voice teacher named Connie Cox accepted him as her student in exchange for doing work around her house. Johnny studied with Ms. Cox for six years, learning vocal scales and exercises, voice production, classical, and operatic singing. He is one of the few popular singers who received years of professional voice training that included opera. The first band Mathis sang with was formed by his fellow high school student Merl Saunders. Mathis eulogized him in October 2008 at his funeral, to thank him for giving him his first chance as a singer.
Johnny Mathis was also a star athlete at George Washington High School in San Francisco. He was a high jumper and a hurdler, and he played on the basketball team. In 1954, he enrolled at the San Francisco State University on an athletic scholarship intending to become an English teacher and a physical education teacher.
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