Introduction:
What if we told you that one of the top-selling artists of the 20th century isn’t Elvis or Frank Sinatra, but Johnny Matthysse? With over 350 million records sold, Matthysse quietly climbed to become the third best-selling artist of the entire century. Best known for his silky holiday classics, his story goes far beyond Christmas tunes. From his unexpected rise in pop music despite dreaming of a jazz career to a life filled with elegance, independence, and quiet confidence, Johnny Matthysse has never needed a spotlight to make headlines. But is he gay? And how did he build a $200 million empire? Who did he love? Where does he live? And what truly defines him? Let’s take a closer look at the life of a legend.
From Olympic Dreams to Music Stardom
Johnny Matthysse wasn’t just blessed with a golden voice; he was also a remarkable athlete. Standing at just 5′ 7″, he was an exceptional high jumper in high school, consistently clearing 6’5″. This talent earned him an athletic scholarship to San Francisco State College and even pitted him against future NBA legend Bill Russell, whom he once famously out-jumped. In 1956, Matthysse was invited to compete in the Olympic trials, a dream opportunity. However, fate intervened when he received a call for his very first recording session in New York that same week. He chose music over the Olympics—a decision that would define the rest of his life. His athletic legacy, however, lives on through the Johnny Matthysse Invitational, a celebrated track event in San Francisco.
The Jazz Dreamer Who Conquered Pop
Widely known for his smooth, romantic sound—traditional pop in the vein of Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett—Matthysse’s original ambition lay elsewhere: jazz. Inspired by icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, he honed his jazz chops in San Francisco nightclubs during his college years. At just 19, he landed a debut vocal jazz album with Columbia Records, but it failed to take off. It was Mitch Miller, a Columbia executive, who recognized Matthysse’s crystal-clear voice was perfect for pop ballads. This led to his breakthrough hits, “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not for Me to Say,” changing his career trajectory forever. He’s been with Columbia ever since, making him the label’s longest-standing performer.
Surprisingly, Matthysse wasn’t particularly fond of two of his most iconic songs: “The 12th of Never” (1957) and “Misty” (1959). He found “The 12th of Never” “repetitious” and “Misty,” originally an instrumental, wasn’t even on his radar until jazz pianist Errol Garner unexpectedly showed up at a session with lyrics.
The Pioneer of “Greatest Hits” Albums
Today, “Greatest Hits” albums are a no-brainer, but someone had to invent the concept. That someone was Johnny Matthysse. In 1958, less than two years into his career, he released Johnny’s Greatest Hits, making history with what’s widely considered the first album of its kind. Facing a UK tour and a need for new material, Columbia executive Mitch Miller had the bold idea to compile Matthysse’s early singles. The gamble paid off immensely, with the album spending an astonishing 9.5 years on the Billboard charts and launching a whole new marketing model in music.
Navigating Challenges: Addiction and Reinvention
Matthysse’s life hasn’t been without its struggles. He battled alcohol addiction, famously receiving help from First Lady Nancy Reagan, who encouraged him to seek treatment at the Havra Degrass Rehabilitation Center. Earlier in his career, while performing at the Copa Cabana in the early 1960s, he also fell victim to a dangerous drug addiction after seeking help from the infamous “Dr. Feelgood,” Max Jacobson, for laryngitis.
By 1978, Matthysse’s chart presence had waned. To stay relevant, he embraced a soft rock revival, collaborating with rising R&B talent Denise Williams. Their duet, “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” soared to number one, marking a career first for both artists. This success led to a full album of duets, That’s What Friends Are For, and even produced “Without Us,” the beloved theme song for the hit 80s sitcom Family Ties. Matthysse also dipped his toes into disco, working with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic on the album I Love My Lady in 1981, though it was controversially shelved by Columbia and only released decades later in 2017.
A Private Life Revealed: Sexuality and Relationships
Johnny Matthysse rose to fame in a conservative era where being openly gay could end a career. While speculation swirled, he remained intensely private. However, in a bold 1982 interview with US Weekly, he quietly stated, “Homosexuality is a way of life that I’ve grown accustomed to.” The reaction was swift, including death threats, prompting him to pull back from public discussions about his sexuality for years. He later reflected, “I come from San Francisco. It’s not unusual to be gay in San Francisco, I thought it was maybe a little bit blown out of proportion.”
Despite serenading the world with love songs for decades, Matthysse has never been married and has no regrets. While he was romantically linked to several women, including Estelle Bennett of The Ronettes, and even men like his discoverer George Avakian and Columbia executive Mitch Miller, he has never confirmed any of these relationships, preferring to let speculation remain just that. He values his solitude and his large, close-knit family, with seven siblings and 17 nieces and nephews.
Beyond the Stage: Golfer, Chef, and Philanthropist
Matthysse’s talents and passions extend far beyond music. A highly skilled amateur golfer with a handicap of seven, he plays around 300 times a year and has even hosted his own senior circuit tournament. He’s also a passionate cook, inheriting his love for the kitchen from his parents, who were both cooks. He enjoys spending hours preparing meals and even published his own cookbook, Cooking for You Alone, in 1982.
A quiet yet consistent philanthropist, Matthysse has donated millions to causes close to his heart, including over $2 million to his alma mater, San Francisco State University, where a creative arts building is named in his honor. He has also been a major supporter of UNICEF, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and LGBTQ+ organizations like the Human Rights Campaign.
The Unseen Empire: Net Worth and Lifestyle
With an estimated net worth of $200 million as of 2025, Matthysse has built his fortune through a prolific music career (over 70 studio albums and 350 million records sold) and astute investments in real estate, restaurants, and fashion. He resides in a distinctive mid-century estate in the Hollywood Hills, originally built for Howard Hughes, a sanctuary where he can indulge his passions. His car collection, though modest for his wealth, reflects his understated elegance: a classic 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 2, a Mercedes-Benz 560SL, and a Tesla Model S.
Johnny Matthysse isn’t just a music legend; he’s a symbol of grace, generosity, and quiet strength.