PRESENTS

Welcome to the Grapevine News. This section of the Mathis Chronicles contains my views about anything I find or am sent about Johnny Mathis on the 'net and elsewhere, that isn't being discussed by any "official" sites. Occasionally, I report on things not directly related to Mathis but have a connection, may even make up a question to ask myself and try to answer. Readers are welcome to share their news here also. So enjoy and thanks for coming.

VOL. 1 NO. 3

FEBRUARY 14, 1998: That's when it all began, folks. At the time my lowly little homepage was the only game in town, the only one who even so much as mentioned Johnny Mathis online. Now there are "official" sites and unofficial ones as well. Power to them, I'm glad they finally saw the light. Education, you see, is the key to survival. Young people don't know, or care, about the singers of the past. But no matter, tell 'em anyway. Let 'em know who these people are and why they should care. Let them know that once upon a time, music was good, and singers were artisans who took pride in their craft. Let 'em know that once upon a time there was a singer named Peggy Lee, a singer named Ella Fitzgerald, a singer named Sarah Vaughan, a singer named Nat King Cole, a singer named Johnny Mathis, and others. Let 'em know that the really good singers were versatile performers who seemed comfortable in any genre, whether pop, blues, jazz, or soul. Tell 'em the people would come from all over the world just to see them. And don't forget to tell them what you know about the singers themselves, what you've read about them, what others have said. And someday, when they're ready to learn, I hope The Mathis Chronicles and other tribute sites like it will be here for them to learn from. Because even if it doesn't pay a dime, we must always consider the future and those who will benefit from our knowledge. If this music is to survive, it's the only way.

Now then, as to the continuing evolution of The Mathis Chronicles, I hope my visitors have noticed that the ticket booth is up and running in the See Mathis Live section. Possibly the most noticeable thing is the new address: www.themathischronicles.net. I believe the old bookmarks will still work, though (and may actually be shorter than the new name). There is also now a Guestbook! Crude but useful, it will allow me to study the demographics of my visitors! Posts are subject to my review, so don't be rude! First entry is from me, so as to demonstrate how it's to work!

TIME LIFE COLLECTION: Woo hoo, I've found yet another compilation! It's part of the Legendary Singers collection. Gotta love that legendary=old euphemism. It's a greatest hits deal, of course, with all the usual crap, but it does have some different songs on it, such as: Warm and Willing, Mirage, the Sweetheart Tree, Lovers in New York, Misty Roses, A Taste of Honey, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart, A Time for Us, Yellow Days, Pieces of Dreams, Whistling Away the Dark, Stardust. Looks like they got a lot of stuff off the Close to You album, and they used one of THE WORST photos I've ever seen for the cover. I put the information out there for those interested in buying it, here's a link.

Q: I'm in the middle of a surprisingly well-written and entertaining autobiography by Quincy Jones, a man with not only a Mathis connection, but a connection with just about everybody else you could possibly name! And yes, there is a reference to Mathis in his book, and I'll write about it next time around.

Thanks to my readers around the world for your encouragement these last four years. You've given purpose to this hobby of mine, and maybe I'll keep it up a little while longer.