BACKSTAGE

When he was in the eighth grade, he purchased the largest drum set pictured in the Ludwig Drum Catalog, paid for it with his own savings. That same drum set would later be used for his first few years touring with Johnny Mathis. When in his last year of college, he had the opportunity to play percussion (not drums) for Johnny Mathis on a five-day California tour. Following several other tours and travel, he moved to Las Vegas to embark on his professional career.

Later, while on the road touring, Joe received an important telephone call offering him the job playing drums for Johnny Mathis. Twenty years later, the job working for Johnny Mathis is one that he still enjoys.

Kerry is a Nashville guitarist and studio musician, best known for his work with the Grand Ole Opry, where he has been staff guitarist since 2000 and Music Director since 2018. He has played with many notable musicians including Natalie Cole, Taylor Swift, John Legend, James Taylor, and Branford Marsalis. He was guitarist for the CD “Songs From The Neighborhood: The Music Of Mister Rogers,” which received a Grammy award, the album “Many Moods of Moses” which received a Grammy nomination, and for the 2 time multi-platinum self-titled album by musical group Blackhawk.

He has played a variety of jazz, pop, rock, and country music in the Nashville recording scene, in addition to touring with artists such as Olivia Newton-John, Lynda Carter, Don McLean, Steve Wariner, Porter Wagoner, Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Cash, Toby Keith & Shania Twain, Ronnie Milsap, Razzy Bailey, Jerry Reed, Ray Price, and of course Johnny Mathis.

Kerry has also performed and composed for major networks and award shows, most notably for the Lionel Richie Special, Hannah Montana, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, CMA Christmas, CMA Awards, 1992 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the 1985 Grammy Awards.

Ken began playing bass in a trio with Dave Wild around 1966. Attended the University of Hawaii 1970 – 1972, studying bass with Armand Russell, but left before graduating to go on the road as a founding member of the band Seawind. Seawind moved to LA in 1976 and began recording for CTI records with noted drummer Harvey Mason as producer. Later records were released on A&M records; their last record was produced by George Duke. Ken also became a very active studio musician starting in 1976, working in TV, film, and records. That active schedule continues today. Professional experience with performers such as Sammy Davis Jr. Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Barbara McNair and others. He was also a member of Natalie Cole’s touring band 2002 – 2004, opened for Herbie Hancock, Herbie Mann, George Benson and many others. Ken is Johnny’s current Bass Player, joining the Rojon touring crew in 2019.

Stacey has worked in the lighting industry for 25+years. Since starting with the Mathis Band in January 2013, she says that working for Johnny Mathis is the equivalent of winning the Lotto. “It’s a rare thing to truly like your job as well as all the people you work with. It is simply marvelous to be surrounded by this much talent. Mr. Mathis makes my job seem easy. I hope that Richard would be proud.” When not on the road, she calls Chicago home. She’s the Art Director at DK Design/Production, enjoys experimental cooking and hanging with her man Mike.

Ricky has worked with Johnny for several years, and is one of his most enthusiastic staff members.​
Ask Ricky what he enjoys most about his job, and his reply is, “I work for Johnny Mathis. That’s the best part. He’s an icon.”

His position with Johnny as stylist/personal assistant isn’t the first to provide him with the opportunity for travel. Japan, Guam, Hawaii and Germany are just a few of the places he traveled while doing hair and make-up for Faces International

Anyone who’s seen a Johnny Mathis concert has seen Gil. Gil is the multi-faceted guy who plays guitar, sings and is Johnny’s Production Manager.

Here I am.” Gil had been playing guitar for Johnny for a couple of years when, “One night we were out on a trip with a new conductor and someone in the audience yelled out, ‘Twelfth of Never’. It was an easy song. I knew it in Johnny’s key. So, I just started playing it and have been ever since.” A few years later, Gil began taking on production/stage managing and is now Johnny’s Production Manager. He says that he, “really enjoys working with agents, contracts and buyers. It’s very satisfying to see something start as a phone call or memo and turn into one of Johnny’s performances with all of the people that are involved and will attend.”

Gil has been working with Johnny for an amazing 50 years as of June 2020! While he no longer tours on the road, Gil is still thoroughly involved with Johnny & his team in all other aspects of Johnny’s concert tours & Jon Mat Records.

Fresh out of school from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, Robert was studying German at El Camino College. Soon afterwards, he moved to Hollywood and transferred to L.A. City College.

While attending classes (L.A. City College) Robert went looking for a part-time job. He met Johnny’s manager, Ray Haughn, who was looking for someone to help in the mailroom. Robert proved to be so indispensable that he has lasted more than twenty-seven years with John.

Robert is now the office manager and artist liaison for Johnny. His job responsibilities are as varied as the people he’s enjoyed meeting over the years.

Mark serves a very important function, that of controller for Johnny’s companies. You will rarely see Mark on the road at concerts because he is always busy at the company offices in Burbank taking care of the finances.

Mark has the distinction of being on staff for the longest number of years. He first met Johnny in 1964 and began working as a part-time accountant in 1967.

When Johnny bought his first computer to help run his businesses back in 1979, Mark wrote the software for the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll and fan club mailing list. In 1986 Mark gave up his computer business to become a full-time employee of Johnny and his companies.