Having recorded 110 albums, selling 350 million albums worldwide; in addition, to receiving numerous gold and platinum records, legendary singer, Johnny Mathis, definitely deserves an honorable mention in this club. Alongside Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson also considered him another one of his early vocal influences, so he patterned his vocal stylings after these two legendary singers. As stated in an interview in regards to his 1974 appearance on "Soul Train", Johnny wanted to touch base with the younger black listeners by way of making the successful transition in the foray of R&B and soul music due to the release of, "I'm Coming Home", back in 1973; standing ovation from Don Cornelius and the dancers. As stated by Cornelius in regards to Johnny's style of music, they were to give him the heartfelt utmost respect as any other guest who makes an appearance on the show. Seeing the standing ovation he's received from the dancers, Johnny didn't know what kind of reception he was going to receive during his first time on the show. Also having made the successful transition to Soul and R&B music, he a whole new legion of fans.

Johnny has three appearances on "Soul Train" alongside Deniece Williams as well. Johnny could get down just as good the other R&B singers such as Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Dionne Warwick, Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross. As stated by admirer, Michael Jackson, he cited Johnny alongside Sam Cooke, as two of his early vocal influences while singing with the Jackson 5. Also, stated in a biography pertaining to Sam Cooke, he saw Johnny as showbiz in regards to making the transition to Pop music; in addition, to not being as successful as Johnny. They both came on the music scene during the mid-50's, but sadly, Sam passed on back in 1964 after being mortally wounded in a bizarre incident at the Hacienda Motel. Just prior to his passing, Sam And Nat King Cole, alongside their wives, were in attendance at the Coconut Grove to see Johnny perform. Having been in the music business for for nearly 60 years, I truly believe that he should get an honorable mention in regards to Soul and R&B Music for the reason he's just as good any other R&B singer I've heard over the years.

As a professionally trained singer, he could sing any type music in each genre; in addition, to Soul and R&B music. In my opinion, I wished he could record more R&B and music all the time. He's also made three guest appearances on "Soul Train" from 1974-89.; in addition, to receiving a huge fan base from the black listeners. When he teamed up with singer Deniece Williams during the late-70's, Johnny's popularity got even bigger when their, "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late", went to #1 on the BILLBOARD Pop Charts back in 1978. They went on to record numerous duets; as well, as singing the theme song to the 1980's television show, "Family Ties". He's recorded duets with Dionne Warwick, Angela Bofill, Take 6, Barbara Streisand and Patti Austin. I feel he deserves an honorable in the R&B and Soul music genre.