The Twelfth of Never

American singer Johnny Mathis sang R&B, country, gospel, and jazz. During his musical career he recorded almost 100 albums and more than 200 singles, selling 350 million albums. His singles are inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Today his songs remain popular and he is 89 years old.

"A Certain Smile" is a popular song that was written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster for the 1958 film of the same name. Mathis performed the song in the film. He sings the title song in a scene in an elegant restaurant as the main characters and other patrons listen. The soft piano makes the song sound romantic. The melody compliments the song.

“Chances Are” is a popular song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman. It was recorded by Mathis in 1957 and went to number one on the Billboard and Cash Box charts. In 1998 the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“It’s Not for Me to Say” is a popular 1957 song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman. Mathis recorded the song and performed it in the 1957 film "Lizzie." His recording reached the top 10 on the US pop charts. When Billboard commemorated the 60th anniversary of Mathis's career in 2016, "It's Not for Me to Say" was number 3 on their list of his 10 top-charting hits.

“Misty” is a jazz standard that was written and originally recorded in 1954 by pianist Erroll Garner. Garner composed the song as an instrumental in the traditional 32-bar format. Later lyrics were added by Johnny Burke. It was recorded by Mathis and featured on his 1959 album Heavenly. His version charted on the pop singles chart and became one of Mathis’ signature songs. Both Mathis’ and Garner’s recordings were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Garner in 1991 and Mathis in 2022.

“The Twelfth of Never” is a popular song that was adapted from an old English folk song in 1956 by Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster. Various recording artists have their version; Mathis's version charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains popular. The music has an orchestral swell, which gives the song a classical feel. It’s classic music meets pop music. He sounds different on this song. 

“When Sunny Gets Blue” is a jazz standard with music by Marvin Fisher and lyrics by Jack Segal. Mathis recorded the song in 1956, backed by Ray Coniff and his orchestra. It was his debut single and is included on the compilation album Johnny’s Greatest Hits. He was billed as a jazz singer on his debut album. It is also featured in his 1993 box set The Music of Johnny Mathis: A Personal Collection.

“Without Us” was the first duet for Mathis and sung with American R&B and soul singer Deniece Williams. The song was featured on his album That’s What Friends Are For. This romantic song is about a couple wondering how they got along without each other before coming together. The song gained popularity as the theme song for the hit TV series “Family Ties."

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" is a song that was written by Ben Raleigh and Sherman Edwards. It was recorded by Mathis and backed by Ray Conniff and his orchestra and chorus. The song was a top 20 hit on the Billboard charts and, in 1958 included on his first compilation, Johnny’s Greatest Hits. The single was several months into its Top 100 run before it reached its height of popularity. The success of the song “It’s Not for Me to Say” created great demand for this single.