At 89 years old, with 73 studio albums and 113 singles, Johnny Mathis has announced he will step off the stage in Englewood, NJ on May 18th into retirement. He is the velvet voiced king of schmooze, a unique individual, an icon. In his book Rocking the Closet: How Little Richard, Johnny Ray, Liberace and Jonny Mathis Queered Pop Music, 11/11/2019, Vincent L Stephens wrote about Johnny Mathis.
“He was sandwiched between black and white social norms, older and younger musical tastes, and gender norms and gender transgressions.“
And..
“Ambiguity provided a safe way for Mathis to negotiate a torrent of social expectations. His ability to exist between cultural and musical poles, especially notions of gender, racial, and musical norms, helped him stand out and appeal to multiple audiences.”
Steve Brammeier is a native of St. Louis who grew up in the 50s and 60s listening to Johnny Mathis and dancing to his “make out” music at the McCluer High School Homecoming dance. A singer his whole life, Steve has performed at Blue Strawberry, Don’t Tell Mama in NYC and Davenport’s in Chicago. He is excited to pay tribute, at this particular time, to the inspirational, gifted and uniquely talented, Johnny Mathis.
“A born crooner, Brammeier used his voice beautifully,” Katie McGrath, Cabaret Hotspot
“He has a light baritone with a rough-hewn touch that reminded me of some of the notable folk-rock singer/songwriters of the 1960s, such as Gordon Lightfoot and Cat Stevens (now known as Yusuf Islam).” Chuck Lavazzi, KDHX
Join Steve and The Pfeffer Trio as he celebrates Johnny Mathis, sings some of his hit songs and some lesser known tunes while sharing stories about Johnny’s life and career.
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