It’s a shame that Johnny Mathis isn’t discussed more by young gay people. Actually, by this point he’s not discussed at all anymore. He’s a relic of another time, celebrated by not even the parents of millennials, but that generation’s grandparents.
The crooner hit his heyday in the ‘50s, and at the time, he was a mega star—one who lived with a secret for far too long.
One of the biggest hits of Mathis’ storied career is the loving “Chances Are,” which stands out as one of the best recordings by a man who was known for many years for having one of the most beautiful voices in the world. It holds a very special place in his discography and as part of his legacy.
The tune deserves to be played to this day, as it is still as lovely as it was when it was recorded and released more than a half-century ago.
“Chances Are” tells the story of two lovers, with one being head over heels, while the other is… probably also feeling the same thing. But that’s a very big probably.
Lyrics like, “Chances are you think that I’m in love with you” and, “Just because my composure sort of slips / The moment that your lips meet mine / Chances are you think my heart’s your Valentine” hint that one-half of this romance might not be as into it as the other.
These lines can be read as playful, and that’s surely how many interpreted them when the single was released in 1957, but it wasn’t until decades later that an accidental admission by Mathis himself shed some new light onto the track and showed why he might have selected it in the first place.
In 1982, Mathis sat down with Us Weekly for an interview, and when the article came out, he was quoted as saying, “Homosexuality is a way of life I’ve become accustomed to.” In the aftermath of what was, at the time, a scandal of sorts, the singer stated that the comment was meant to be off the record, but once it was out, it—and Mathis, to an extent—was out.
Mathis told The Washington Post back in 2018 that he was open about his sexuality with those close to him, but that didn’t apply to his adoring fans. The world didn’t know he was gay, and if they had, his career surely would not have hit the highs that it did, so no one can blame him for remaining quiet. In fact, he even refused to discuss the Us Weekly snafu—or his sexual orientation—for a long time afterward, as he claims he was subject to death threats after the first report came out.
Knowing that Mathis was gay and singing a love song presumably written from the perspective of a man crooning to a woman, the lyrics of “Chances Are” take on new meaning. They’re potentially not so much about one lover teasing another, but rather about one person feigning interest. Or about a female assuming she’s ensnared a man, but really he’s thinking of someone else… someone of the same sex.
This is, of course, an interpretation. “Chances Are” was written by two straight men, Robert Allen and Al Stillman, but Mathis likely had a hand in picking it. He may have simply enjoyed the track, or he might have identified with it in a way few could have known at the time.
“Chances Are” became more important to the LGBTQ+ community in 1996, when Mathis re-recorded the standard with none other than Liza Minnelli. By that point, Judy Garland’s daughter had proved her talent by winning all four EGOT trophies, and she was already a gay icon in her own right.
Mathis was not openly gay—he wouldn’t fully admit to his sexuality until only a few years ago—but enough people knew how important this duet was to make it meaningful.
Mathis’ original “Chances Are” has been included on many lists of some of the best traditional pop standards of all time, and it was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Now, more than 60 years old, the single has lived several lives, and it earns new significance whenever new information is shared—just like the man who made it a hit.
Related:
We need to revisit Liza Minnelli’s super gay electronic dance album that nobody seems to remember
In 1989, Liza recorded an album called “Results” that was a complete departure from her previous efforts and is arguably one of the gayest things she’s ever done.
abfab
Sooooooooooooo nice. Cool vibes. A nice change. He sure was special.
baddudeguy
Johnny Mathis is still very much alive.
Winsocki
Another duet for “The Gays”. Johnny Mathis & Jane Oliver…The Last Time I Felt Like This…( theme song from The Same Time Next Year ).
quantum
What a lovely movie, sadly not available for streaming.
abfab
Like butter.
LeBlevsez
‘Sounds of Christmas’ was as essential to Christmas eve as hot chocolate and candlelight when I was a kid.
lather
Brilliant voice and talent. Gorgeous. Wish he could have a wonderful resurgence. In the 80s I heard he was partnered with one of his band members. Wonder if they are still together or if it were ever true.
Kangol2
One of the great 20th century American pop voices, and it came from a Black gay man who even today is still sharing this gift with the world. Love you, Johnny Mathis, and so many millions do too!
mildredspierce
Loved The Best of Everything. The movie was mediocre – young white women making it and losing it in NYC but I only watched to see Joan Crawford in bitch mode and soft focus.
Diplomat
This song has been one of my very favorites from that time period. But I never knew he did it with Liza. Cool to hear that.
dbmcvey
I grew up listening to him. He was one of my mom’s favorite singers. Gorgeous voice and so handsome!
Glynn
Fab tune from a truly great voice. I too didn’t know he’d recorded a version with Liza Minnelli. He might have kept his sexuality to himself for a very long time, but he certainly gave out great Gaydar. I particularly loved his two disco outings from 1979 ‘Gone, Gone, Gone’ and ‘Begin the Beguine’. John Waters said about Johnny Mathis in his book ‘Role Models’ “I wish I were Johnny Mathis. He’s Beyond fame, and beyond race”
Colorado Couple
I met him after one of his concerts in the late 70’s. Beautiful man, inside & out.
aarushab
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Leo
And yet Sweet Thursday was the gay anthem in all the bars in the 60’s.