The Reason Johnny Mathis Hated Two Of His Most Famous Songs

Introduction:

In the realm of timeless vocalists, few names carry the same resonance and enduring elegance as Johnny Mathis. With a voice as smooth as aged velvet and a delivery steeped in emotion, Mathis has carved out a legacy that transcends decades, fads, and fleeting trends. One of his more understated yet emotionally rich recordings, “They Say It’s Wonderful,” stands as a testament to his ability to breathe new life into the Great American Songbook.

Originally written by Irving Berlin for the 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun, “They Say It’s Wonderful” has been interpreted by many artists over the years. Yet it is Mathis’s interpretation—refined, intimate, and luminously heartfelt—that elevates the song beyond its theatrical roots. Released on his 1959 album Heavenly, the track finds Mathis in his element: orchestrated strings behind him, his tenor voice gliding effortlessly over each line with sensitivity and grace.

Listening to “They Say It’s Wonderful” through the lens of Mathis’s artistry is like viewing an old painting under restored light. The song’s lyrics, full of the hopeful curiosity of falling in love—“They say that falling in love is wonderful / It’s wonderful, so they say”—become more than just words. In his hands, they are transformed into quiet revelations. He doesn’t oversell the sentiment; he trusts the listener to meet him in that space of longing and possibility.

Mathis’s vocal delivery is notable not for its dramatic flair, but for its restraint. That is the true hallmark of his style: never too much, never too little—just enough to move the heart. His diction is pristine, his phrasing gently arching, and his tonal control remarkable, even by today’s standards. The arrangement, lush with soft strings and subtle horns, never overwhelms the intimacy of his performance. It’s the sort of recording that invites the listener to sit back, close their eyes, and allow themselves to drift—somewhere between memory and dream.

At the time of the album’s release, Mathis was already becoming a staple in the American musical landscape, celebrated for songs like “Chances Are” and “Misty.” Yet his inclusion of standards like “They Say It’s Wonderful” on Heavenly shows an artist deeply respectful of tradition, while still making every note his own. There’s a warmth and sincerity in this recording that’s rare in any era—a quiet masterclass in musical storytelling.

For longtime admirers and new listeners alike, Johnny Mathis – “They Say It’s Wonderful” is a reminder of what true vocal artistry sounds like when it’s wrapped not just in technical precision, but genuine feeling. It’s not just a song—it’s a whispered promise that, yes, love can be as wonderful as they say.

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