Johnny Mathis’s “Wonderful! Wonderful!”: A Timeless Ode to Profound Love
There are some melodies that, the moment they begin, transport you back to a simpler time, a period colored by burgeoning romance and gentle sophistication. For many, the shimmering strains of Johnny Mathis’s “Wonderful! Wonderful!” conjure precisely such images. This wasn’t just a hit song; it was an invitation to a world of tender affection and lyrical beauty, delivered by one of the most distinctive voices of his generation. Released on November 5, 1956, as the A-side of his very first 7-inch single, with “When Sunny Gets Blue” on the flip, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” became an enduring classic. Though its journey up the charts was a gradual climb, it eventually reached a highly respectable No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining on Billboard magazine’s Top 100 chart for an impressive 39 weeks. It was a testament not to a flash-in-the-pan sensation, but to the slow, steady build of a song that truly resonated, becoming one of Johnny Mathis’s million-selling singles and a cornerstone of his legendary career.
The story of “Wonderful! Wonderful!” begins with its talented songwriters, Ben Raleigh and Sherman Edwards. These composers crafted a lyric and melody that perfectly captured the innocent yet profound sentiments of blossoming love. When Johnny Mathis, then a promising young vocalist, recorded it under the keen eye of producer Mitch Miller and with the lush backing of Ray Conniff and his Orchestra and Chorus, a timeless recording was born. It’s fascinating to consider that Mathis was on the cusp of an athletic career, having even been invited to try out for the 1956 Olympic Games in high jump. Yet, he chose music, and “Wonderful! Wonderful!” became one of the first glorious notes in a symphony that would span decades. Columbia Records, initially uncertain how to market Mathis’s unique vocal stylings after his jazz-oriented debut didn’t quite land, wisely rebranded him as a pop balladeer. The success of “Wonderful! Wonderful!”, and subsequently “It’s Not for Me to Say” and “Chances Are,” proved this decision to be absolutely brilliant.
The meaning of “Wonderful! Wonderful!” is quite straightforward, yet deeply touching. It’s a pure, unadulterated expression of how love transforms and enriches one’s perception of the world. The lyrics paint idyllic scenes: walking hand-in-hand by the sea, standing on a hilltop gazing at the earth and sky, or simply sitting quietly together. In each scenario, the presence of the beloved makes every experience “wonderful, wonderful.” The song posits that while the world is indeed “full of wondrous things,” they lose their true meaning without the shared joy and presence of a cherished partner. It’s a beautiful affirmation that love is the ultimate lens through which life’s beauty is magnified, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary treasures. For those who recall the early days of romance, or who have been fortunate enough to sustain a deep, abiding love, these lyrics speak volumes about the quiet miracles of companionship.
What truly elevated “Wonderful! Wonderful!” was, of course, the voice of Johnny Mathis. His smooth, effortlessly controlled tenor, characterized by its velvety timbre and remarkable range, was a revelation. It wasn’t about power or raw emotion in the rock-and-roll sense, but rather a sublime delicacy and an almost ethereal quality that perfectly suited the romantic ballad. His delivery in “Wonderful! Wonderful!” is imbued with a dreaminess that feels both intimate and universal. It’s a voice that seemed to float, caressing each word with an elegant precision, making listeners feel as if he was singing directly to them. This unique vocal artistry, combined with the orchestral arrangements by Ray Conniff that were themselves a hallmark of the era’s sophisticated pop, created a sound that was instantly recognizable and utterly captivating.
“Wonderful! Wonderful!” not only cemented Johnny Mathis’s place as a premier balladeer but also set the stage for his remarkable longevity in the music industry. It was a cornerstone track on his groundbreaking Johnny’s Greatest Hits album, released in 1958, which is widely considered one of the very first “greatest hits” compilation albums in music history. This song, with its timeless message and Mathis’s exquisite vocal performance, continues to resonate, reminding us that some feelings are truly eternal, and some voices, like the gentle hum of a cherished memory, never fade.