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EVERYONE REMEMBERS “CHANCES ARE” — BUT THE SONG ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT RECORD HELD ONE OF JOHNNY MATHIS’ MOST BEAUTIFUL PROMISES. In 1957, millions of Americans were falling in love with Johnny Mathis and his unforgettable recording of “Chances Are.” But when listeners turned over the little Columbia 45, another remarkable love song was waiting. It was called “The Twelfth of Never.” Written by Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster, the song imagined a love so enduring that its ending belonged to a day that would never arrive. There was no grand drama, no desperate farewell. Just a gentle promise of devotion. And Johnny’s tender voice made that promise feel wonderfully sincere. The song became a hit in its own right, reaching the American Top 10. Nearly seven decades later, its message remains timeless.

Patti Austin & Johnny Mathis - You brought me love

Introduction:

In 1957, Johnny Mathis was capturing the hearts of American listeners with “Chances Are,” a romantic ballad that would become one of the defining recordings of his career. Yet tucked on the other side of the same Columbia Records single was another song that revealed a different kind of magic: “The Twelfth of Never.” While “Chances Are” became the familiar favorite, its companion offered a quiet, enduring promise of love. The two songs appeared together on a single released in August 1957.

Written by Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster, “The Twelfth of Never” builds its romance around an impossible date—a day that will never come. The idea is simple but powerful: true devotion has no expiration date. Rather than relying on heartbreak or dramatic declarations, the song expresses a love that feels steady, patient, and unconditional.

JOHNNY MATHIS: chances are COLUMBIA 7" Single 45 RPM | eBay

Mathis brought that promise to life with the qualities that made his early recordings so distinctive. His smooth, tender voice gave the lyrics a sense of personal sincerity, while the orchestral accompaniment arranged and conducted by Ray Conniff added warmth without overwhelming the melody. The result was a performance that felt intimate even within its polished, classic-pop sound.

Although “Chances Are” attracted much of the attention, “The Twelfth of Never” was far more than a forgotten B-side. It gained radio play and reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Most Played by Jockeys chart in 1957. The combined single also performed strongly, reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s Best Sellers in Stores chart. Its success showed that listeners were responding not just to one hit song, but to the emotional appeal of Mathis’s romantic style.

Johnny Mathis - Chances Are / The Twelfth Of Never – NIGHT BEAT RECORDS

The song’s influence continued long after its original release. Other singers recorded their own versions, introducing the composition to new audiences. Still, Mathis’s interpretation remains especially memorable for the gentle conviction he brings to its central promise. There is no need for a grand vocal climax to communicate the feeling; the emotion rests in the warmth of his delivery and the sincerity behind every phrase.

Nearly seven decades later, “The Twelfth of Never” continues to capture a timeless idea: love is not measured by extravagant gestures, but by the willingness to remain devoted through time. Its appearance on the reverse of “Chances Are” might once have made it seem like the lesser-known companion. History, however, has given it a life of its own.

Sometimes, the most beautiful promise on a record is waiting on the side listeners almost overlook.

Video:

https://youtu.be/nNNRGa3pKyw?si=TklVqbwLnJBOMtIt

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