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 Internet and elsewhere, that had been overlooked by the "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 experiences here also. So enjoy and thanks for coming.

VOL. 3 NO. 7 - AUGUST 17, 2004

BROTHER RAY, PT. 3: Well, some good news. The movie starring Jamie Foxx which had been slated for cable only release has gone theatrical, and will be released in theaters in the fall. In the meantime, "Genius Loves Company", Ray Charles' last studio album, will be released on the 31st of this month but is now available by pre-order. Brother Ray's label, Concord Records, seems to have the least expensive price as of this writing.

I hope they find a way to make "Over The Rainbow" a single. Longtime readers will know I've been wanting Johnny Mathis to take control of his recordings and sell them online himself for years. Technically, though, Mathis is a guest on Mr. Charles' recordings, and it would be up to the Concord people to release it as such. Why not contact Concord and casually and politely suggest that Over the Rainbow be released for airplay? Perhaps a satellite radio station could pick it up

Biographer David Nathan is one English fellow who knows his soul music! He writes a moving commentary on the loss of Ray Charles as well as the effect his last duet with Johnny Mathis on him. It's a beautiful piece. Soul music afficionados might also check out his very comprehensive website, appropriately called Soul Music.com!

Unfortunately, people are using Ray Charles' death to scam unsuspecting (dare I say, unthinking) memorabilia seekers. Brother Ray, being blind, did not sign autographs; despite this Internet auction sales of "autographed" Ray Charles collectibles are booming. These items are about as authentic as magic beans.

CONVENTIONEER?: A good question is whether or not Johnny Mathis will make an appearance at the Republican Hot Air Balloon Festival in New York City in the next couple of weeks (he's already in town, at Westbury in Long Island). Don't look for me to sit through all that and find out!

MILESTONES: A Mathis connection was lost recently. Tony Mottola one of the two guitarists who accompanied Johnny Mathis on his classic album, "Open Fire, Two Guitars", died recently at the age of 86. Mr. Mottola was a well-respected guitarist who last toured with Frank Sinatra in the '80s, and he also played for 14 years with NBC's Tonight Show orchestra when it was led by Skitch Henderson. Don't confuse him with Tommy Mottola, former husband of Mariah Carey and formerly Johnny's boss as the head of Sony Music Entertainment.

Singer Syreeta Wright has died of cancer at the age of 58. She was married to Stevie Wonder at one time, and they maintained a close friendship until her death. In 1981 Syreeta and Billy Preston made famous the song "With You I'm Born Again", which was later recorded by Mathis. They unfortunately didn't research the spelling of her name for the booklet to Johnny Mathis' Personal Collection boxed set.

No Mathis connection here, but I want to note that Funk legend Rick James, known for his outlandishness and his mega hit "Super Freak", which was given new life in the '80s by MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", died August 5th at the age of 56. I have in my possession an example of the lighter side of Rick James, a beautiful duet he performed with the great Smokey Robinson called "Ebony Eyes".

I want to wish another '70s icon, Ronald Isley, a speedy recovery from his recent stroke. Reports are it's not nearly as serious as the one that fell our beloved Luther.

UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME: In light of the fact that our beloved singers are leaving this world everytime you bat an eye, it really makes me thankful for the people, like my beloved Mathis, who are still here. The Lord chose not to take Luther Vandross for reasons only He knows, and I'm thankful. By the way, there's a new biography out, called simply "Luther" by Craig Seymour, which should be readily available at your local bookstore. Authorized biographies tend to be boring as hell, but I skimmed it and it looked pretty good. Join me in continuing to send love and encouragement his way. He believes in the power of love, as well as the power of prayer, and so do I! Keep fighting, Luther!

TOUR BUS: The bus stops next in Westbury, New York. Visit See Mathis Live! for details.

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