Introduction
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Johnny Mathis’s “Live by Request” concert—it felt like eavesdropping on the most elegant living room recital you’ve ever attended. Picture this: it’s May 28, 1998, inside Sony Music Studios in New York City, and the A&E studio audience is buzzing with excitement. Everyone had phoned in their song choices, and Johnny, ever the gracious crooner, promised each request would be met with his rich, velvety voice. It wasn’t just a show; it felt like a warm conversation between old friends.
From the moment he eased into “Welcome to My World” with that unmistakable tenderness, I leaned in closer. You could feel every listener’s anticipation as he glided through classics like “Chances Are” and “Misty,” each note dropping like a gentle confession. When he teamed up with Deniece Williams for “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” the room practically held its breath—seeing two legends weave their voices into one seamless tapestry was a moment I’ll never shake.
But the real magic happened during the surprises: rarities like “Why Did I Choose You,” a Broadway gem that hadn’t graced one of his albums until years later, and his spirited take on “Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil),” which he recorded only weeks earlier. Listening to Johnny embrace these lesser-known songs felt like discovering a secret chapter in your favorite book—suddenly, you were part of an exclusive club of true aficionados.
What struck me most was how conversational he made the evening feel. He’d pause after a heartfelt ballad to glance at the camera, flash that signature Mathis smile, and say, “That one came right from your hearts.” It was easy to believe he meant it. You could practically hear the applause echoing in your own living room.
Today, that performance lives on—you’ll find clips all over YouTube, pulling in hundreds of thousands of views from fans who still can’t get enough. And if you look closely, you’ll catch glimpses of that same warmth, that same unspoken promise: when Johnny Mathis sings, he’s singing for you.
Whether you’ve only heard his studio hits or you’re a die-hard fan who’s chased down every live recording, there’s something deeply human about watching “Live by Request.” It reminds you that music isn’t just a collection of notes—it’s a conversation, a shared memory, and, for one unforgettable night, Johnny Mathis was all ears.