Comments on: Teacher’s legacy a beautiful melody

By: Gordon Krainen

Gordon Krainen — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:35:09 +0000

Matt started me on my Jazz journey (still on it) at Mercy High School Also. I recall he was debating taking a teaching job at Wayne State. I was young, but I told him it’s a no brainer, he had to do it! He went on to create great things there of course. He played at my wedding too. What a guy, a talent, and teacher!

By: Michele Munro

Michele Munro — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 06:19:46 +0000

I enjoyed these stories about my old piano teacher. I studied with him when he had a studio at Our Lady Of Mercy, a girls Catholic high school. I adored him, he was so sweet and encouraging. On my 2nd lesson, I played Perdido and tried to give it a Bud Powell swinging bop feel. He called me lady Jazz pianist, and wrote an arrangement of it for 2 pianos, which he played at a school concert with a high school student.
I used to hear him perform with Jack Brokensha and Ursula Walker.

By: Jon Harpst

Jon Harpst — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 20:41:31 +0000

Nice job!

By: Ruby Harpst

Ruby Harpst — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:12:43 +0000

So glad to read about Matt Michael’s career and life in Detroit…As a playboy bunny, I worked the Penthouse where he and his musicians played. He was dedicated and faithful.

By: Jack Christian

Jack Christian — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:16:17 +0000

Here is one that is hard for even me to believe: 85 years ago, I played in my first recital at St. Gregory 2nd grade recital with Matt.
We then played in six consecutive annual recitals. I was always the first performer (being the worst) and Matt was the last because
he was, of course, the best. In spite of his extreme talent, he was modest and so helpful with my difficult selections. Matt was Barbara’s pianist at the Caucus’ Club and she honored him at a later concert in Detroit. May God bless this generous and talented gentleman and welcome him to the concert stage in Paradise when he leaves us! JC