Introduction:
In the pantheon of great American vocalists, few names carry the gentle gravitas and romantic sophistication of Johnny Mathis. Known for his velvety tone, impeccable phrasing, and a repertoire that spans decades of popular music, Mathis carved a niche as the master of love ballads—songs that speak directly to the heart without pretense or theatricality. Among his many gems, “Easy To Love” stands as a refined testament to his artistry, a track that may not be as instantly recognizable as his chart-toppers but deserves its own spotlight for the quiet brilliance it exudes.
Originally a Cole Porter standard written for the 1936 film Born to Dance, “Easy To Love” has been interpreted by countless artists over the years, but it takes on a distinct character in the hands of Johnny Mathis. His rendition doesn’t just revisit the classic—it inhabits it. With a voice that seems almost tailor-made for romantic introspection, Mathis breathes fresh life into the lyrics, each line unfolding like a whispered confession. The orchestration that accompanies him—lush, restrained, and exquisitely arranged—creates a dreamlike atmosphere that allows the melody and sentiment to shine.
What makes Johnny Mathis – “Easy To Love” so enduring is not merely its melodic elegance or the song’s pedigree, but the sincerity with which Mathis approaches the material. There is a purity to his vocal delivery, a clarity of tone that avoids the overwrought or over-sentimental. He navigates the contours of the melody with gentle assurance, giving each word its full emotional weight without ever tipping into melodrama. The effect is one of quiet intimacy, as if the listener is being let in on a deeply personal moment.
For older and more seasoned listeners, Mathis’s performance may evoke a sense of nostalgia—not only for a different era of music, but for a time when love songs were crafted with delicacy and earnest emotion. Yet even for younger audiences or newer fans of classic vocalists, “Easy To Love” offers a refreshing antidote to the modern musical landscape. It’s a song that asks for patience, for stillness, and in return offers a profound sense of calm and connection.
In a career filled with iconic interpretations, “Easy To Love” might be considered a quieter entry—but it is precisely in its understatement that the song finds its power. For those willing to lean in and truly listen, Johnny Mathis delivers an experience that is, as the title promises, very easy to love.