In the history of American pop music, some songs are remembered not only for their romantic melodies but also for the stories behind them. For Johnny Mathis – the golden voice of the 1950s and 1960s – “Wonderful! Wonderful!” was more than just a hit single. It was the turning point that launched his career. Yet, few know that behind this success was a young singer weighed down by fear and uncertainty.
A shaky start under the spotlight
Born in 1935 in San Francisco, Johnny Mathis grew up in a large family with modest means. His natural gift for singing was evident early on, but his career path was anything but straightforward. When Columbia Records signed him in 1956, the label initially pushed him toward jazz rather than romantic pop ballads. His first recordings received little attention, and Mathis came dangerously close to fading into obscurity.
Then came “Wonderful! Wonderful!” in 1957. The tender ballad, rich with heartfelt emotion, fit Mathis’s smooth and expressive voice perfectly. The song quickly climbed into the Billboard Top 20, introducing Mathis to a national audience for the very first time.
The pressure behind the smile
What listeners didn’t know was that Mathis struggled through the recording process. Barely in his twenties, he faced enormous pressure to prove himself to demanding producers. He later admitted that he recorded the song multiple times, unsure if he could deliver the depth of feeling the lyrics required. Ironically, that nervous, almost fragile quality in his voice gave the song its unique emotional resonance, allowing it to connect deeply with audiences.
Opening the door to legend
After “Wonderful! Wonderful!”, Mathis’s career soared. He followed it with timeless classics like “Chances Are” and “It’s Not For Me To Say”, cementing his place as one of the most romantic voices of the century. For fans, Mathis was more than a singer; he was a symbol of perseverance and vulnerability turned into beauty.
“Wonderful! Wonderful!” was not just his first big hit. It was the doorway to stardom and proof that even uncertain beginnings can lead to greatness. Sometimes, the trembling first steps carry us further than we ever imagined.