Johnny Mathis performing on stage, captivating his audience with his timeless voice and stage presence.
A recent concert experience offered more than just an evening of music; it provided a masterclass in longevity and enduring success. Attending a Johnny Mathis performance with the San Francisco Symphony was not just entertainment, but an insightful look into the career of a true icon. For those unfamiliar, Johnny Mathis boasts a legendary career, a testament to decades of dedication and talent.
Witnessing Mathis, even at 77, command the stage was remarkable. His entrance, unhurried and confident, immediately signaled his seasoned experience. The audience, a packed house of devoted fans, erupted in applause, a standing ovation before a single note was sung. The concert, though structured in medleys and concise in duration, held the audience captive. Even Mathis’s characteristic stage presence, often singing with his shoulder turned slightly from the audience, did nothing to diminish the crowd’s adoration. The overwhelming question that lingered was: how does he maintain such a vibrant career after so many years? What are the enduring lessons we can learn from Johnny Mathis?
1. The Power of Mastery: Be Undeniably Good
The concert was punctuated by wave after wave of applause, a testament to Mathis’s enduring appeal. Even approaching 80, he delivers a performance that leaves audiences thoroughly satisfied. This level of consistent excellence is no accident. His dedication to his craft was evident in his mention of the afternoon’s full rehearsal with the Symphony. Even after six decades in the music industry, Johnny Mathis continues to hone his skills, taking nothing for granted. As Steve Martin famously advised on achieving success in show business, “Be undeniably good.” Exceptional talent transcends age; virtuosity is celebrated at any stage of life, while mediocrity fades with time. Investing in skill development today builds an audience that appreciates your craft tomorrow.
2. Seize the Moment: Don’t Wait for Your Prime
Johnny Mathis enjoys a devoted audience now because he began creating hits in 1957. Longevity in any field is built upon consistent effort and impact over time. His enduring fame, possibly even greater now than in his early career, is reflected in his significant Facebook following. It’s a common sentiment to hear professionals in various fields express a desire to “teach” or mentor later in their careers. While a noble aspiration, it prompts the question: “What have you been doing until now?” Wisdom isn’t solely a product of age, nor does seniority automatically qualify someone to lead and guide others. Cultivate impact and influence in the present; recognition and opportunities will naturally follow.
3. Strategic Reinvention: Reframe Your Approach
The collaboration with a world-class orchestra undeniably enhanced Johnny Mathis’s performance at 77. While vocal agility may naturally evolve over time, Mathis has strategically adapted his career. Rather than solely focusing on studio albums, he embraced live performances with exceptional musicians. A masterful symphony orchestra becomes a beautiful frame for his vocal artistry, subtly complementing and enhancing his performance. The audience, in turn, readily embraced this refined presentation, seemingly forgiving any perceived vocal changes. Similarly, leaders can proactively prepare for later stages of their careers by acquiring new skills and knowledge, positioning themselves for roles that best leverage their evolving strengths. The professional landscape is rarely static; anticipating and adapting to “what’s next” is crucial for sustained relevance.
4. The Value of Honest Feedback: Hear Truth
A somewhat distracting element of the performance was Mathis’s attire: a shiny sharkskin suit featuring baggy pants and a white shirt, sans tie. In a city known for its understated, often black-clad fashion sensibility, his choice seemed out of step. Whether it was a cherished “lucky suit” or simply an oversight, it raised the question of whether Mathis receives honest feedback on his image. This anecdote highlights the importance of seeking and heeding candid advice, even when it’s uncomfortable. A personal example: a younger mentor recently gently mocked my reliance on a standalone GPS device, comparing it to outdated technology. The feedback, though initially stinging, prompted a switch to a more contemporary and efficient smartphone-based navigation app. Hearing truth, even when critical, is essential for staying current and avoiding obsolescence.
5. The Power of Specialization: Leave Space for Others
Initially, the jazz quartet positioned between Mathis and the orchestra seemed almost secondary. However, as the performance progressed, their exceptional talent became increasingly prominent. The music director, effortlessly playing piano with his left hand and keyboard with his right, exemplified virtuosity. The guitarist, a 43-year veteran of Mathis’s ensemble and his booking manager, underscored the value of long-term collaboration and specialization. Johnny Mathis excels as a singer precisely because he doesn’t attempt to be everything else. Virtuosos are specialists. Think of Eric Clapton, Tony Bennett, or Sherlock Holmes – all masters of their domain through focused expertise. Many careers begin with a generalist approach, but maturity often presents the opportunity to refine focus, specializing in an area that maximizes market value. This specialization necessitates creating space for others to shine in their respective areas of expertise. No one achieves lasting success in isolation.
6. Sustainable Pace: Stay Within Yourself
Johnny Mathis wisely avoids attempting marathon performances. Like Tony Bennett, whose concert performances are also thoughtfully paced, Mathis delivered a concise hour-long set, interspersed with instrumental interludes. While a shorter concert might have been considered insufficient in earlier decades, it is perfectly appropriate and appreciated now. By limiting his performance duration, Mathis ensures his ability to continue performing, respecting the physical considerations of age. Similarly, leaders, as they gain experience, recognize the diminishing returns and unsustainability of excessively long workweeks. Prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sustainable pace allows for the continued contribution of one’s talents and gifts over an extended period.
While still some years away from Johnny Mathis’s age, the lessons of his enduring career are clearly visible. His continued mastery of vocal performance and his ability to connect with audiences across generations offer a powerful message: even in a culture that often glorifies youth, experience and sustained dedication hold immense value. We cannot recapture youth, but we can always strive to become better versions of ourselves as we age, embracing the enduring lessons from those who have mastered the art of longevity and continued relevance.
