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ONE OF JOHNNY MATHIS’ MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS ALMOST NEVER MADE IT OUT OF THE RECORDING STUDIO. It was 1959, and Johnny Mathis was recording his album *Heavenly* when a familiar problem arose: time was running out. Other songs had taken priority, and “Misty,” the beautiful composition by Erroll Garner, was in danger of being left behind. But Johnny wasn’t willing to let that happen. Garner’s manager, Martha Glaser, had come to hear the recording, and Johnny insisted they give the song a chance. What followed became part of music history. According to his official biography, “Misty” was captured in one take, although Johnny later remembered making a few attempts. That recording became one of his most beloved performances. And to think, the song that would touch millions of hearts nearly missed its moment.

Bio | Johnny Mathis

Introduction:

Some of the most unforgettable moments in music history happen by chance. For Johnny Mathis, one of those moments came in 1959, when a song that would become one of his most cherished recordings nearly failed to make it onto his album. That song was “Misty,” the timeless jazz standard composed by pianist Erroll Garner.

At the time, Mathis was recording his album Heavenly. With studio time running short and other songs taking priority, “Misty” risked being left out of the final sessions. Yet Mathis believed the beautiful composition deserved an opportunity, and he was determined not to let it disappear unfinished.

A key figure in the story was Martha Glaser, Garner’s manager, who came to listen to the recording. Her presence helped bring attention to the song just as time was becoming a concern. Mathis insisted that they give “Misty” a chance, a decision that would ultimately help preserve one of the most memorable performances of his career.

Johnny Mathis

A Song Worth Saving

The recording itself became part of the song’s enduring story. According to Mathis’s official biography, “Misty” was captured in a single take. Mathis later recalled that he had made a few attempts, offering a slightly different memory of the session. Regardless of the exact number of takes, the important point remains: the recording survived a session in which it might easily have been overlooked.

Mathis’s smooth, expressive voice brought a distinctive warmth to Garner’s composition. Rather than relying on dramatic vocal flourishes, he allowed the melody and emotion of the song to unfold naturally. The result was an intimate performance that showcased his ability to make a familiar standard feel deeply personal.

“Misty” became closely associated with Mathis’s musical identity, helping reinforce his reputation as one of the great interpreters of romantic ballads. Its appeal extended beyond the circumstances of its recording, connecting with listeners through its gentle melody and heartfelt delivery.

🇺🇸 JOHNNY MATHIS - Misty (1959) | Ben van Althuis | Facebook

The Power of One Decision

Looking back, the story of “Misty” is a reminder that music history can turn on a seemingly small decision. Had Mathis accepted that the session was nearly over and allowed the song to be dropped, his celebrated interpretation might never have reached audiences in the same way.

Instead, his persistence gave the composition a chance to find its place in his repertoire. The song’s lasting popularity demonstrates how an artist’s instinct can sometimes recognize something special before anyone knows just how significant it will become.

For Johnny Mathis, “Misty” was more than another recording. It was an example of why certain songs deserve a little extra time and attention, even when the clock is running out. What nearly became a forgotten studio possibility ultimately became a treasured part of his legacy.

Sometimes, the most beautiful moments in music are not carefully planned. They happen because someone believes a song is worth saving.

Video:

https://youtu.be/DG8gtzdiqGY?si=Wv8BiR4oh7JwO1Ia

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