There are voices that define eras—and then there are voices that transcend them. Johnny Mathis belongs firmly in the latter category. For decades, his velvety tone and effortless phrasing have embodied the very essence of romance in popular music. But what makes Mathis truly remarkable is not just his ability to preserve a timeless sound—it’s his willingness to evolve with the times.
In the late 1970s, as glitter balls spun and dance floors pulsed with neon energy, even the most traditional artists faced a choice: adapt or fade into nostalgia. Mathis chose adaptation—and did so with surprising brilliance. His reinterpretation of Cole Porter’s classic “Begin the Beguine” stands as one of the most unexpected and fascinating musical transformations of the disco era.
A Classic Reimagined for a New Generation
Originally released as part of his 1979 album The Best Days of My Life, Mathis’s version of “Begin the Beguine” was anything but a conventional cover. Instead, it was a bold reinvention. The track—particularly its extended “Special Disco Version”—embraced the rhythmic heartbeat of the era while preserving the emotional depth of the original composition.
Disco, often dismissed as fleeting or superficial, was in fact a powerful cultural force—one that reshaped the music industry and redefined how audiences experienced sound. Mathis tapped into that energy, layering lush orchestration with a steady, hypnotic beat designed for the dance floor. The result? A song that felt both nostalgic and immediate, classic yet contemporary.
While Mathis was no stranger to chart success, his disco-infused “Begin the Beguine” carved out a unique place in his career. It resonated particularly well in the United Kingdom, climbing to No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1979. The parent album also found an appreciative audience, peaking at No. 38—proof that even long-established artists could thrive in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
The Genius of Cole Porter’s Original
To fully appreciate Mathis’s achievement, one must first understand the brilliance of the source material. Written in 1935 by Cole Porter during a sea voyage between Indonesia and Fiji, “Begin the Beguine” is no ordinary standard. It is, in many ways, a musical anomaly.
Unlike the typical 32-bar structure of popular songs, Porter’s composition stretches to an astonishing 104 bars. Its melody unfolds in a winding, almost hypnotic progression, defying conventional expectations and drawing listeners into a dreamlike state. The song debuted in the Broadway musical Jubilee, but it quickly took on a life of its own, becoming one of the most beloved entries in the Great American Songbook.
Lyrically, “Begin the Beguine” is steeped in longing and memory. The “beguine” itself—a dance originating in the French Caribbean, similar to a slow rumba—serves as a metaphorical trigger. Hearing its rhythm transports the narrator back to a moment of perfect love, a fleeting yet unforgettable night of passion and beauty. It is a meditation on nostalgia, on the bittersweet ache of remembering something that can never be relived.
Disco Meets Nostalgia: A Perfect Tension
What makes Mathis’s 1979 version so compelling is the tension it creates between past and present. Disco is, by nature, immediate and physical—it exists in the moment, driven by rhythm and movement. Porter’s original, by contrast, is reflective and introspective, rooted in memory and emotion.
By merging these two sensibilities, Mathis achieved something rare. His “Begin the Beguine” invites listeners to dance even as it encourages them to reminisce. The shimmering string arrangements—crafted with cinematic elegance—float above a steady disco groove, while Mathis’s voice remains the emotional anchor, rich with feeling and nuance.
This juxtaposition transforms the song into more than just a reinterpretation. It becomes a dialogue between eras—a conversation between the sophistication of the 1930s and the exuberance of the late 1970s.
A Soundtrack for the Dance Floor—and the Heart
For those who experienced the disco era firsthand, Mathis’s version of “Begin the Beguine” is more than just a song—it’s a time capsule. It evokes images of crowded dance floors, flashing lights, and the communal joy of movement. Yet beneath that vibrant surface lies something deeper: a quiet sense of longing, a reminder that even in moments of celebration, the past is never far away.
This duality is what gives the track its enduring appeal. It speaks to both the body and the soul, capturing the essence of an era while remaining timeless in its emotional resonance.
Legacy of an Unlikely Masterpiece
In retrospect, Johnny Mathis’s disco-era experiment could have easily gone wrong. Transforming a complex, beloved standard into a dance track was a risk—one that might have alienated purists and confused fans. Instead, it became a testament to artistic courage and vision.
Today, “Begin the Beguine” stands as a shining example of how music can evolve without losing its essence. It reminds us that great songs are not confined to a single style or generation—they are living, breathing works of art, capable of endless reinvention.
And perhaps that is the true magic of Johnny Mathis. He didn’t just follow trends; he found a way to make them his own, blending innovation with authenticity. In doing so, he ensured that his voice—and the emotions it carries—would continue to resonate, no matter the era.
As the final notes of “Begin the Beguine” fade, one thing becomes clear: some songs are meant to be remembered. Others are meant to be rediscovered. And a rare few—like this one—are destined to be both.