On February 12, 2023, Michael Edward Mathis, AKA Moses, departed this life.

Michael Mathis was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 5, 1954, to James and Dorothy Mathis, both of whom preceded him in death. Michael is survived by his sisters, Patricia Dixon, Darlene Wilson, and Jannette Reed; brothers in-laws John Dixon, David Wilson, and Terry Reed; nieces and nephews Venenszia Dixon, Tilana Toney-Strickland, Sakena Reed, Luciana Reed, David (DJ) Wilson, Latoya Wilson, Rebbecca Wilson, Terence Reed, Brittanie Wilson, and Jamie Reed; and a host of cousins, grand nieces and nephews, and friends.

Michael was a child music prodigy. He played the piano and organ and wrote songs from a young age. He attended Hyde Park High School and performed at his high school graduation. Michael’s parents were his primary influence and nurtured his passion for music. His father, James, was a singer and musician. He encouraged Michael to practice diligently to develop his musicianship. Every day, Michael practiced playing the organ and piano for many hours.

Michael had a piano music instructor, but Michael would often end up teaching the instructor a thing or two on the keys. From a young age, Michael was a beloved mentor and role-model to some of the neighborhood kids. Part of his mentorship was to provide many of the young people piano lessons.

Michael was a very diverse musician. He played by ear but was also professionally trained at some of the nation’s most prestigious music schools. Michael attended the New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee School of Music where he graduated with a music degree. He had a wide-ranged repertoire of musical styles that included Baroque to Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Gospel, and Christian Contemporary. He was extraordinary on the piano, Hammond organ, pipe organ, and any other electric keys-based instruments.

Michael would often say his music and faith formed him. Holding on to this conviction, he lived his mantra: “Pray before you play.” Whenever applauded for his musical ingenuity, he never ceased to acknowledge and give the glory to God. Michael’s faith and relentless dedication to developing this gift led to a plethora of opportunities.

When Michael was 12 years old, he prayed for God to allow him the chance to meet four of his music idols: Shirley Caesar, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. Michael not only met each of his musical idols, but was also blessed to work professionally alongside some of them. At the age of 13 years old, he played the piano along with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Over the years Michael always remembered his parents’ encouragement to be faithful to God. They taught him that his faithfulness, humility, and gift would bring him before kings and queens. Indeed, God did it. Michael was honored with so many memorable performances and opportunities to write songs and produce records. One of many performance highlights is a tour in Israel with some of the music industry’s giants such as Barry White, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, and Pastor Shirley Caesar. Other of Michael’s memorable performances include playing the pipe organ for President Jimmy Carter’s granddaughter, playing the piano for President George H. Bush, and playing the organ for Pastor Shirley Caesar as she sang “Heaven” for President Barack Obama at the dedication of the African American Museum. In fact, he counted it a high honor to co-write many songs with Pastor Shirley Caesar.

To Michael, Pastor Caesar was much more than a singer. She was family. He believed that God assigned him to work with her. Michael was loyal to this assignment as Music Director for Pastor Shirley Caesar and the Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church for 43 years.

Michael was extremely humble and often an unsung virtuoso. Notwithstanding, his music achieved many accolades. They included, but not limited to, several Grammy, Stellar, Dove, Soul Train, and NAACP Awards. His deepest commitment to Gospel Music took him to the pinnacle of his career with the Queen of Gospel, Pastor Shirley Caesar. There were significant musical highlights in his journey. Two of his songs were inducted into the Grammy Museum ¬– “You’re Next in Line for a Miracle” and “Heaven.” Pastor Shirley Caesar, Whitney Houston, and CeCe Winans gave a moving performance of “Heaven” at the 38th Grammy Awards. “Heaven” was also featured on the Jay Leno Show and the 2022 Oscars. He also wrote the song “Moses” for the movie “Prince of Egypt” and can be seen performing in the movie “Fighting Temptations.” In addition to being the Music Director and producer for Pastor Shirley Caesar and the Caesar Singers, Michael worked with many other notable artists, including the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Omar Kim, Wynton Marsalis, Bradford Marsalis, Barbara Mandrell, the late Della Reese, the Soul Stirrers, the Sensational Nightingales, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the late Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Cissy Houston, A7, Babbie Mason, Anthony Hill, Vernessa Mitchell, Patrecka Wortham, Tracy Troy and so many others. He also recently wrote a song with Cathy Hughes, a dear friend and workout partner.

The list of projects, movies, performances, tours, and television shows is long. Michael made no difference between struggling artists and the all-time greats. He believed that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and each person’s talents are equally admirable.

We will miss Michael. He lit up every room he entered. His love for God and passion for God’s people were evident. Michael prayed fervently to tell the people what the Spirit would have them to hear in his songs. We are grateful that Michael held nothing back. His faithfulness and love for Jesus were exemplary. His contribution to Gospel music is etched in history. Indeed, a humble giant has left the room.

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1

Visitation will be held at Grace Church of All Nations on Monday, February 27th from 10-11:30AM. Interment at Forest Hills Cemetery