YET ANOTHER FALLEN STAR: A plane crash has taken the life of Aaliyah Haughton, a young singer/actress, and the one-time niece of Gladys Knight. A Washington Post article published 8/26 suggests that she was also, at least in part, a SGMF--second-generation Johnny Mathis fan. She certainly didn't emulate Mathis' vocal style, to be sure. Sampling her material at CDNow, I've discovered that while she's got a pleasant-enough voice, she's definitely got the hip-hop flavor, accompanied by the omnipresent beat-box, edgy but, as far as her last and shoo-in-for-platinum album is concerned, not vulgar. However, I did run across a quote from the young star, who only in July told USA Today that she preferred to be the "interpreter" of the songs of others, one who "takes your words and brings them to life". So perhaps Mathis had a subtle influence, after all.
In any event, although I'm not all that familiar with her, it seems both the music industry and the film industry has lost a rising star. That particular tragedy of course does not eclipse the loss suffered by her mother and father, and other family members and friends. This kid seemed to be an extremely bright, well-rounded individual who had grown to be a beautiful and talented young woman, and I think her death brings home, to her younger fans especially, that longevity is not a given.
So, just how long DO we wait for that now-ten-year-old Brazilian album, Sony?
While the jazz-flavored album has a tentative release date of Valentine's Day, I think it's about time the other Mathis projects that have been tabled for one reason or another were taken down off the shelf and given to the public, and let US decide what will sell and what won't. But, that's just me.
ON WITH THE SHOW: Mathis is due to perform this Thursday in Saratoga, California (a suburb of San Jose) on August 30th, and it's looking as if it's sold out. Check the link in case of a change of plans or new ticket availability.
Three casino shows are set for the fall: Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut (about 50 miles SE of Providence, Rhode Island) on October 5th and 6th, at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 19th and 20th, and at Caesars Atlantic City (tickets now available) November 9th and November 10th.
Johnny Mathis will hopefully return to Long Island on March 8th and 9th, 2002, according to Pollstar, the best source for concert information.
MORE NEW CONCERTS FOR 2002! Looks like February 2002 is booked solid! I see he's spending a lot of time in South Florida, with dates for Fort Myers, Florida on the FIRST George W's birthday (22nd) at the Barbara B. Mann Hall, and Miami Beach, Florida (is this different from plain old Miami, Florida? I don't know!) at the wonderful Jackie Gleason Theater on the 24th. Earlier in the month shows a Feb. 7th concert in waterlogged Houston, Texas at Jones Hall, and a Feb. 9th show in Savannah, GA at the Johnny Mercer Theatre. Mathis returns to Caesars Atlantic City April 19th and 20th. Later in the year I see a show in Charlotte, North Carolina (watch out, Fab) at the Ovens Auditorium on May 4th. 2002 is looking wonderful (nope, won't do it) with Johnny Mathis is still very much in demand!
Unfortunately, still no Canadian or other foreign dates that I can see. Looks like he's left you guys for good. Let's hope he'll change his mind soon!
In the meantime, to those who have lived in the United States without having seen Johnny Mathis in concert, what's up with that? There is ample opportunity, so lose your mistrust of the flying machines and go.
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