Matthew James Long, Jr. was born on March 12, 1977 to Matthew Sr. and Bernadette Long in Chicago, IL. Matthew displayed a love for music at a young age. This was only natural coming from a musical family. Matthew Sr. played the bass guitar and was in a band with his brothers. Bernadette was the organist and minister of music for the Sanctuary of Holiness Church of God in Christ in Chicago under the leadership of her father, Administrative Assistant Bennie Stewart, Jr. He wrote his first songs at age 5 entitled, "The Sky is Blue" and "What Happened to the Old Days". At the age of 9, Matthew began to teach himself how to play the drums at his grandfather's church in Chicago. Matthew attended Edmund F. Lindop Elementary School in Broadview, IL where he took part in the school Beginner band in the fifth grade. By the end of the school year, Matthew had been elevated to the Prep band. As he continued to hone his drumming skills at church throughout the summer, Matthew ultimately ascended to school's Concert, Jazz, and Symphonic bands the next school year. While in the school band, he won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award which was voted upon by his peers. Looking to grow in music, Matthew expanded his interest into the piano. He began to pick around notes at age 16. Matthew's grandmother, Viola Stewart, noticed this interest and invested in buying a new keyboard for the church. By the time Matthew turned 18, he had fully transitioned to the piano. Bernadette had Matthew take three organ lessons with the renowned organist, Edward Showers of Chicago. A new love of music was born. Practicing daily for hours at a time, Matthew continued teaching himself how to play, eventually playing for the University of Illinois at Chicago Gospel Choir. From that time until this present day, Matthew continues to strive for musical excellence!
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