In 1955, Johnny Mathis landed a job singing weekends at Ann Dee's 440 Club. George Avakian, then head of Jazz A&R at Columbia, came to the club, heard Mathis sing and sent the now famous telegram to his record company: "Have found phenomenal 19-year-old boy who could go all the way. Send blank contracts." Mathis made his first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1957, launching his career as a recording star and national celebrity.
Legendary crooner, Johnny "The Velvet Voice" Mathis, will perform at The Palace in Albany, New York tomorrow night at 8pm and in this interview we speak with him about his start, the support of people like Ella Fitzgerald, and how he feels about the term "crooner."
