The Milwaukee Post

16 • Milwaukee County Post • May 11, 2018 ENTERTAINMENT Johnny Mathis, 82, credits childhood voice teacher for his longevity as a singer Milwaukee County Zoo to open new otter exhibit, entrance By CATHERINE JOZWIK Special to the Post Singer Johnny Mathis has had a career many artists could only dream of. Since the start of his singing career in the mid- 1950s, the crooner has released close to 80 albums, collaborated with countless singers and musicians and toured continuously. Best known for his early songs such as "Chances Are," "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "It's Not for Me to Say," Christmas records, and silky rendi- tions of pop favorites, Mathis has sold millions of albums worldwide and is the sixth-best-selling artist in the world. As part of his "The Voice Of Romance" tour, Mathis will begin a series of Mother's Day weekend shows today at Milwaukee's Riverside Theater. The singer will perform a mix of old and new hits, including songs off his recent 2017 album, "Johnny Mathis Sings the New Great American Songbook." Mathis, 82, attributes his longevity as a performer to his childhood voice teacher, Connie Cox. Through Cox, he learned voice production and classical and operatic scales. "She taught me how to sing without damaging my vocal chords," said the singer during a recent tele- phone interview. "Once you learn the importance of opening your throat, you live with it night and day. You don't even open your mouth if you can't do it properly." He also credits his father for instilling in him a love of music and encouraging him to pursue a career in singing. "My dad was my best pal," said Mathis. Try out for Olympics or make an album? Born in Gilmer, Texas, to Clem and Mildred Mathis in 1935, Mathis is the fourth of seven children. His family moved to San Francisco when he was young. In addition to receiv- ing voice lessons, Mathis also sang in the local church choir, for visitors at home, and at community events. Besides his exceptional singing ability, Mathis was known for his athleticism. While at San Francisco State College (now San Francisco University), Mathis set school records in the high jump. While singing with a fel- low student's jazz sextet at the Black Hawk nightclub, Mathis got the attention of club owner Helen Noga, who convinced George Avakian of Columbia Records to come see him perform. In the summer of 1956, Mathis, the star high jumper, faced a major life decision — try out for the Olympics, or record his first album with Columbia Records in New York. Advised by his father, Mathis chose music. In his illustrious career spanning six decades, Mathis has worked with "many wonderful lady singers" including Lena Horne, Barbra Streisand and Dionne Warwick. "That, to me, was the most fun," he said. The singer has recorded many renditions of popular songs, such as "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel, and "Unforgettable," a trib- ute to one of his favorite singers, Nat King Cole. In "The New Great American Songbook," Mathis performs modern favorites, including "Happy" by Pharrell Williams and "Hello" by Adele. "I sing songs people are familiar with," he said. Mathis fans are now able to purchase a vinyl version of the 1982 lost album, "I Love My Lady," which was released for Record Store Day April 21. Second Disc Records and Real Gone Music recently released the first two expanded CD reissues of a series of the singer's 1970s records, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Johnny Mathis Sings the Music of Bacharach and Kaempfert." No slowdown in sight Mathis has a busy sched- ule, but he has no plans to slow down. The singer said he hasn't had any health problems, and he stays in shape by working out five times a week and eating healthy — lots of chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables. A resident of Los Angeles, Mathis is a golfing enthusiast, and feels fortu- nate to live near so many beautiful courses. "My other life is on the golf course. It's very serene. I've made some wonderful friends that way," he said. Stage fright and pre- show jitters don't seem to faze the seasoned crooner, but fashion presents a chal- lenge. Once, during a show in Las Vegas, he had to change clothes mid-performance because his outfit was so uncomfortable, he said. Although Mathis loves shopping for clothes, he feels comfortable duds are paramount to putting on a good show. "The hardest thing I have about performing is decid- ing what to wear," he said. Mathis is excited to be performing in Brew City once again. As a young man, he played in many Chicago jazz clubs, and would travel to Milwaukee often. "I worked there a lot in my youth," he said. Although he can't remember its name, Mathis recalls staying in a grand Milwaukee hotel with an "extraordinary" penthouse. "It was lovely," he said. MILWAUKEE — The northwest corner of the Milwaukee County Zoo just got livelier with the splish and splash of North American river otter. The exhibit with three female otters will be unveiled and an admissions, parking, concessions, and merchandise area will open May 19. Emerald, Clover and Shamrock will take up resi- dence in the new Otter Passage and in effect greet visitors at the new west entrance. Depending upon how the animals acclimate, the otters may rotate time on exhibit, and a male otter will eventually join the group with the hope of establishing a breeding colony. "We really wanted anoth- er signature exhibit to wel- come guests at the new west entrance, similar to the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit at the main entrance," zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser said. "We were thinking of an animal native to North America and able to stay outside year round, and river otters fit the bill perfectly. Plus the fact they're just so fun to watch!" The exhibit features two pools, the deeper of which is 8 feet, splash pad, a river area with moving water and a 15-foot slide; components designed with animals' needs and well-being in mind, the zoo said. The exhibit's land area includes dirt, grass and rocks. Zookeepers who care for the otters said different digging materials keep the active otters engaged. An underwater viewing area, and an artificial hollowed- out tree for kids to enter for an up-close look at the otters' den add to the experi- ence. Guests can also watch keepers train the animals in two different areas. The exhibit will help educate visitors about the conservation work being done in the wetland areas throughout the country. The new entrance will be open daily at 10 a.m., May 19 and 20; resuming daily beginning May 26 through Sept. 3. Beginning Sept. 4, it will be open weekends only through Oct. 31. For more information, call 414-771-3040. Photo by xxx Johnny Mathis will sing today at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. Two pools, moving water, slide to keep animals busy Submitted photo One of the Milwaukee County Zoo's three river otters gets a little training in advance of the new exhibit's opening.

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