Nashville, TN (Nashville BMG) August 14th, 2010 – Nashville BMG has begun to reissue the Gospel songs of ‘Country’ Johnny Mathis. The first of the series, The Gospel Songs – Volume 1, was released for the first in digital format this month.
Country Johnny Mathis, not to be confused with the pop singer of the same name, was known as both a Country singer and songwriter during the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. As a BMI Award winning songwriter Mathis had songs recorded by many of the most formative artists of Country Music during that time frame, seven who are now Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. As an artist, he had several Top 20 charting songs as a soloist and with the duet, Jimmy and Johnny as well as regular performances on such Country iconic stages as The Louisiana Hayride and The Grand Ole Opry.
In 1964, Mathis, the son of an East Texas holiness preacher, had a salvation experience that returned him to his roots of faith. This on the heels of a Top 20 song with United Artists and a nomination for “New Male Vocalist In Country Music” by Billboard Magazine. He began to evangelize across the nation both singing and preaching while delivering albums for the Pickwick, Hilltop and Little Darling labels.
Now for the first time in 40 years, the Gospel songs of Country Johnny Mathis are being reissued and are available via download through the major digital music sites such as iTunes and Rhapsody. For more information regarding Country Johnny Mathis visit www.CountryJohnnyMathis.com
I had the opportunity to meet CJMathis through his family Ruby and Mary (shorty) Mathis. His song "Don't Let That Door of Mercy Close on You" has stayed with me for over 50 years since I first heard it sung for the alter call at the close of the service.
ReplyDelete