Introduction:
For Johnny Mathis, meeting Lena Horne was never just another encounter with a famous performer. Long before he became one of America’s most celebrated romantic singers, Horne was already someone he deeply admired. Her elegance, extraordinary talent, and determination to succeed in an entertainment industry shaped by racial prejudice made a lasting impression on the young Mathis. Years later, their relationship would lead to a collaboration that brought one of his earliest dreams full circle.
Lena Horne was more than a gifted singer and actress. At a time when opportunities for Black performers were severely limited, she built a remarkable career while challenging the barriers imposed by Hollywood and the music industry. Her sophisticated stage presence, unmistakable voice, and refusal to accept degrading treatment made her an influential figure for generations of artists.
For Mathis, who was still developing his own identity as a performer, Horne represented an extraordinary standard of artistry. He admired not only her musical ability but also the confidence and dignity with which she carried herself. When he finally had the opportunity to meet her, the experience left him feeling like an admirer standing before someone he had long considered exceptional.
Mathis later recalled the anticipation of waiting outside Horne’s dressing room until she was ready to receive him. When she eventually appeared, beautifully dressed for the stage, the moment became a memorable experience. Despite his growing success, he was still deeply conscious that he was meeting an artist whose work had inspired him since childhood.
However, their story did not end with that first meeting. Years later, an unexpected invitation transformed their connection into something even more meaningful. Horne personally contacted Mathis with a request to record a duet. For the singer who had once looked up to her from a distance, the invitation was almost unbelievable. The admiration he had carried for decades was now being returned through a professional collaboration.
The two artists chose to record “Isn’t It Romantic?” for Horne’s 1998 album Being Myself. The song, a timeless standard associated with romance and musical sophistication, provided a fitting opportunity for their voices to come together. Their collaboration brought together two performers from different stages of their careers, united by a shared appreciation for classic popular music.
For Mathis, the recording represented far more than another addition to his discography. It was a rare opportunity to work alongside someone who had helped shape his understanding of what a great performer could be. The young admirer who had once waited outside her dressing room had become the fellow artist she wanted beside her in the recording studio.
Some musical collaborations are remembered for chart positions or commercial success. Others carry a deeper personal meaning. Johnny Mathis and Lena Horne’s recording of “Isn’t It Romantic?” belongs to the latter category: a moment when admiration became mutual respect, and a childhood dream finally became reality.