As Malibu local Barbra Streisand once put it, “There are a number of good singers, a smaller handful of truly great singers, and then there’s Johnny Mathis.” The revered golden-voiced icon moved to California when he was just a boy and he grew up to become a Bay Area track-and-field star. (As a record-holding San Francisco State University high jumper, he once bested NBA legend Bill Russell at a conference meet.)
Today, Mathis’ love for his Golden State roots remains as impressive as his endless music-industry achievements. He’s recorded 80 albums, sold millions of records worldwide, scored 43 singles on the Billboard pop charts, earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and is still recording and performing 68 years after he burst onto the scene. Fans can still catch him out on the road of both his 2024 Voice of Romance tour and annual A Johnny Mathis Christmas tour. Here, Mathis shares his memories of growing up in California, his favorite in-season culinary catches, and the bittersweet song that reminds him of his youth in San Francisco.
Where do you live? Los Angeles.
Why there? I’ve lived in California most of my life, first in San Francisco with my mom, dad, and six siblings, and then in Los Angeles for many, many years. There’s so much to do here, wonderful places to eat and, of course, golf! I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Who or what is your greatest California love? My mom and dad were my best pals, and they raised seven of us in a small San Francisco apartment while working domestic jobs. They were very supportive and made us all feel loved. I miss them every day.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That they lack culture, which is absolutely not true.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I love shrimp, which I'll pick up at either Gelson's Market or Bristol Farms—whichever I'm closest to at that moment! My parents taught me to cook at a young age, and it’s something I still enjoy doing here when the right ingredients are in season.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’m always traveling for my concerts, and I’ve been very lucky because of what I do to see so many extraordinary places and meet so many interesting people. So I’m essentially always on a road trip, ha!
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Any kind of shrimp dish (see question 6)!
What is your favorite way to play in California? Golf.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I do enjoy outlet shopping centers, particularly the ones near Palm Springs.
Best California song? “Yellow Roses on Her Gown” I’ve sung this song for years in my concerts and have always loved the lyrics and wonderful orchestrations. It reminds me of growing up around San Francisco.
How would your California dream day unfold? My dream day? Oh, my goodness. Well, I’d go to the gym in the morning, then come home for breakfast, and afterward I’d go play some golf. Later I’d have some friends over to the house, cook dinner, then eat and relax on the patio while we listen to great music in the wonderful California weather.