In the summer of 1996, my friend Steve Luth sent me an audio tape of "Shadows On My Heart"
from the 1955 Kampus Kapers at San Francisco State College. John auditioned and earned
the right to sing this song, his first recording. I wore the tape out making rounds as a home care
nurse. In November of 1996, Steve interviewed Dick Vartanian who wrote that song. The interview
took place in Mr. Vartanian's back yard on the 4th hole of the Marin Country Club. I am most
fortunate to know Steve as a friend and to have a copy of that interview. Steve also sent me
the photo that you see of John singing the song and the dancer behind the curtain, creating
a shadow. The lyrics come from my autographed copy of the music and lyrics, a Cameo
Music Reproduction. Thank you very much, Steve Luth.

Thanks to my friend, Maria Niemela for the following information.

Dick Vartanian was a fellow student with Johnny at San Francisco State College,
now called San Francisco State University. They were writing a stage
production in 1955 and called it Kampus Kapers. Dick wrote this and most of the
songs for it. John was the one designated to sing the song "Shadows On My Heart."
While John sang the song, there was a silouette of a girl on a backdrop, behind him,
and she danced to the song, backed by the student orchestra.
This is an actual picture of the production.
"An album was released that included all the songs from that production,
called KAMPUS KAPERS '55. Also, a 45 rpm single was released of John's song,
"Shadows On My Heart." These were John Mathis' first record releases."

 

When You Wish Upon A Star

Days Of Wine And Roses

Orange Colored Sky

I Heard A Forest Praying

Stairway To The Stars

The Island

I Have A Love/One Hand

Shadows On My Heart

Friends In Love

When A Child Is Born(Mathis)

When A Child Is Born(IlDivo)

Yellow Roses On Her Gown

Jill

Just For Today

My Favourite Things

Two Tickets And A Candy Heart

Silver Bells

 It Is Well With My Soul

 

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Page created September 9, 2006