Vibrant and vivacious 
Veracious and tenacious 
Nick Mathis left her voice 
In the annals of JAZZ

It was my honor to perform with her! 

Denise T.  Best
Hartford, CT

Peace and blessings to the family as you celebrate this one-year anniversary of the passing of the phenomenal Nick Mathis!

I had the pleasure of performing with Nick at several musical performances.  She was a wonderful Christian as well as a great Gospel Jazz artist.  I learned a lot about the music business from Nick and I truly miss my wonderful friend. God bless her family and may Nick rest in peace and be with the Lord forever and ever.
Robert Hemphill, Jr., Ph.D.
Pastor of St James-Myrtle United Methodist Church
El Paso, Texas

It was an honor to share the stage with Nick. Singing with Nick was one of my greatest joys and is one of my fondest memories!  Rest in eternal peace, old friend. 💕

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and stunned by the news.  Our hearts go out to you and everyone who loved Nick.  I have many precious memories of your mother while I was growing up in El Paso, especially concerning music.   My cousin, I wish you peace in your time of grief.  Willie, deepest sympathies to you and your family.  Your cousin Joyce.

I met Niki as a child and attended many of her performances and parties with my parents and their circle of friends. I was always stuck by her talent, beauty and kindness. 

My most sincere condolences to her family for their loss. Niki was and will always remain in my memory.  

Extending my love and sympathy to the family and friends of Nick Mathis.  She has left with me great memories of traveling together, especially our trip to West Africa.  She has left with me a great appreciation for jazz and the women who express their talents.  She has left in me a zeal for living life to its its fullest, because that is what she did.  I will miss her always.  May God give those who knew and loved Nick peace, comfort, and blessed memories.  💔

My condolences to the family. Nick was a family friend to my family and my father Samuel Roberts.  Praying the Lord’s peace and comfort to you all.

Dear Willie and Family,

Words cannot express how much I will miss your mother's loving and kind heart.  As you know I have known her every since I was a little child growing up at Second Baptist Church.  She would re-enter my life at various times during my teen and adult years always encouraging me to continue with my music.

She shared so many things in the last few years as far as the history of growing up in El Paso and the people who shaped our lives.  She encouraged me to share my family history to the Digie Wall, which she so well promoted.  She always seemed to know when I needed uplifting, especially during the loss of my parents and my sickness.

I pray God's overwhelming abundance of love embrace you with comfort and understanding.  Cherish those wonderful memories of her close to your heart and know she is now your Angel watching over you.  May her soul rest well in the power of God's love.  She will definitely be missed.

May God bless you all.

Charlotte (Crumady) Campfield
Augusta, Georgia



My condolences to the family and friends of Nickie Mathis. For many years we listened to your music. My prayers are with your family.  

I have known, respected and looked up to Nick Mathis for many years. She was a woman of grace, intelligence and determination who influenced many emerging performers. She was well loved in Hartford and will be missed by her Jazz community. 
God's blessings upon all her family.

I was blessed and honored to have performed with and for Nick including one of her own compositions, "Be Sweet". Nick was widely known in the Northeast, particularly Hartford, Connecticut, for her annual production of "Many Colors of a Woman. For more than two decades, she provided a venue for hundreds of women, and some men to showcase their talent, including my granddaughter, Amina Edwards on violin, and Rodney Edwards on cello. Were it not for this pandemic, we would be together in a SRO venue here in Hartford, singing her praises! Thank you to the family for sharing such a remarkable woman with us and allowing us to share this day with you! May she rest in peace,

Denise Best
Hartford, CT

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, for weeping may endure for a night but Joy will commeth in the morning.   

On behalf of the Adams Family, we love you and we are here  for you; long after the phone calls stop coming and long after visitors stop visiting, we will be here today, tomorrow and always. 

Casey, Qiana, Jasmin and Greyson

Thank you Nicki for always being the beautiful person you are and always be.  It has been a pleasure knowing you and you will be missed.  Love 💘  Marcia

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to meet/know Nick Mathis at a crucial time in my life. As God would have it, Nick's  brother, "Icebox", and I became high school BFF's in the early '60's. Nick became a "big Sister" to me, too, graciously, sharing family, food, and home with me on many occasions, with loving kindness and great generosity. I regret that I never took the time to tell her how much I loved and appreciated her and the impact she had on me, even to this day, so I'm telling you. Nick was beautiful, inside and out. She sang your heart happy and always had an encouraging word. I'll miss her but I'll never forget her. We loved her...God loved her more. Thank you, family, for sharing her. The Jones family will always pray for you without ceasing. Peace.

Nick Mathis was my cousin, my friend and my inspiration .As a young woman I was inspired by her very presence.She has always been beautiful, articulate and fearless.I will miss her, I thank God I knew her



I will always remember Nick fondly as a mentor and artist. She not only gave me the experience of playing with so many fine musicians as a part of the Many Colors of a Woman orchestra, but gave me and many others a venue there for some of our own compositions, which meant a lot to me. Her commanding presence was enhanced by her show-stopping concert outfits. By supporting so many female musicians, by keeping that annual concert going, she gave so much to the community she was a part of.---Ann Belmont, guitarist, composer

Rest in peaceful swing my dear friend. So honored to play music with you and share that gift. 
We did Make Some Kind Of Magic.
Ricky Alfonso

I  am deeply saddened by the loss of Nick.  I fondly called her my, 'sister, mother, girlfriend,' and I later wrote a poem with that title.  She taught me so many wonderful things about life, art and music.  We shared books, culture, music and poetry.  She was an encourager and inspired me to write.  She poured into my heart -- things that women share, about life and love.  As founder of the Many Colors of a Woman, she inspired me to pen another poem with that title, and she later asked me to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for that wonderful event.  I couldn't say no. Nick was a woman's woman.  She was so clear of who she was and her purpose in life.  

My sincerest condolences to her son and his beautiful family, and her sisters whom I know all have a deep hole in their hearts.  She will be remembered as a titan, a gifted musician and vocalist, a community advocate-- who gave, who served and who cherished her family.  Until we meet again, my beloved Nick... 'sister, mother, girlfriend.'  God's angels are singing and the symphony is playing.

With all my Love,
Lisa Brown Ross

My wife Phyllis and I are deeply saddened over the passing of our good friend Nikki! We have such fond memories over the years of listening to her beautiful voice and also the many walks the three of us took in her West end neighborhood in Hartford CT. We extend our deepest condolences and will never forget our gracious Queen who was definitely a Diamond!

God bless her and comfort the family and friends during this most difficult time,

Bob and Phyllis Holland-Brown
Bloomfield, CT

My condolences to you all.  We never know when the door will close to this life nor the next opening of the next.  So with the love inside we're all born with, Let's remember the way we'd sway when Nick would sing.  We know she's riding the tune from GOD himself high into the sky where the angels are singing adding her own sweet technique.
May the harmony of music  stay in your hearts and bring peace to your soul forever.

Pat and Verna` Martin
          Georgia

Nick was such a beautiful person.
She will be missed by all who met her acquaintance in El Paso, Texas. Rest In Peace.
Betty Ann Waters Simmons

I would like to send my love and condolences to Nicki Mathis' family. I was honored to know and work with Nicki in Many Colors of A Woman. I loved her style, poise, and grace. I also admired and learned a lot from her role as a great artist, promoter, producer, and mentor.  

Nicki, thanks for YOU.

Love, Maxine Martin (Max)

I performed in the first Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival in May of 1996. Nick Mathis was there that night.  She came backstage, gave me compliments, said she'd like me to perform in her festival, asked for my card, called me two days later and offered me my first gig with the Many Colors Of a Woman Jazz Festival!  I played in her festival for 21 years!  On that day in May I acquired an annual gig and that day also marked the beginning of a dear and true friendship.  I’ve told that story so many times over the past 25 years because I’ve always appreciated the fact that she meant what she said and she “followed through”.  That’s the way Nick was!  She was also real, honest, committed, loyal, supportive, encouraging and inspiring.  On stage she was always “dressed to the nines” and “wowed” the audience with her wonderful voice.  She won awards like the Impact Award from International Women In Jazz, Inc.  She was nominated for a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award.  She deserved that recognition and so much more for producing the longest running women in jazz festival in our country - bringing almost 300 musicians to her stage throughout those 37 years.  I’m so happy to have performed in her festival for 21 of those years and so happy that our paths crossed on our journey through life.  Rest in peace Nick - dear friend.  Love, Dotti 

Nick is a prolific lyricist and songwriter. Her composition "Make Some Kind of Magic" brightens up our third compilation of women's music. I am privileged to have known Nick Mathis. Nothing more can be said.

 Nick was the creator, founder and producer of The Many Colors of a Woman Jazz Festival she produced for 30+ years in Hartford, Connecticut.  The annual Jazz festival was free and a labor of love and dedication for Nick. She work very  hard every year to secure the funding to keep the festival free. The Jazz artists Nick brought to Connecticut were some of the best in Jazz, the majority of them women. The Many Colors of a Woman Jazz Festival was Nick's loving gift to women and Hartford.
 My family became friends with Nick over 40 years ago when we moved to Connecticut.  We were introduced to her by some mutual friends that knew her from Texas .  Nick introduced my family to Juneteenth when she invited us to join her and  her fellow Texans to celebrate this holiday we had never heard of.  I have so many fond memories of special times spent with Nick (e.g.: Going to NYC to a swanky Jazz supper club to listen to good Jazz  and eat fancy Chitterlings!).   RIH Nick!  I hope you can share your love of Jazz in Heaven.

To The Family of Nick Mathis:
May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one was/is loved and respected by a host of friends and fans!

   I'm so sadden to be penning this 
memorial message for Nick Mathis, but I'm also glad to have had the opportunity and pleasure of knowing this beautiful woman. 
   By way of her community performances and acquaintance over what seems like such a short time (18 yrs), I have enjoyed Nick's gifts and talents that she honed so beautifully and shared so willingly! Her last performance that I witnessed was at the Hartford Public Library for  the  Baby Grand Jazz  Sunday series in April 2017. Nothing but warm and sincere memories she leaves with us to continue savoring her remarkable strong and soft spirit through the many acts and works she created!
    I feel a kindred spirit with Nicki because of our same birth date, March 13, and our love of singing/ music/ performing, even though I only sing in choirs and at the top of my voice at home! 
   So now, God has reclaimed another song bird for His heavenly choir and we are left to carry on! 
   Thank you, Nick Mathis, for leaving us with such a sweet aroma of your life!  
https://youtu.be/MYMnzWnYRsY 
Nick Mathis April 2017 HPL

Nick Mathis April 2017 HPL


Words cannot Express what I am feeling right now. Nicki and l performed together many times. Along with Kitty Katheryn, we were known as the 3 Divas of Jazz in the Ct area and beyond.  My husband and I send our deepest condolences to her family. Her voice is still but will live on in her recordings and her memory will remain in our hearts. Sleep Diva until we meet again. Love you!

Thank you Nicki Mathis  for showing me that there is a place and a legacy for women in jazz. This pic from 2005 is at her Many Colors of a Woman Jazz Festival in Hartford, one of my first gigs with her. Nicki invited me to play with her many times in CT and NYC afterwards and I met some of the best jazz women on the scene, Kim Clarke  and Linda May Han Oh among others. It made a lasting impact on me to be among women musicians and know that I was part of such a legacy.

R.I.H. Nicki Mathis and thank you for all you've done for women in music everywhere.

Always been fascinated with scatting,I asked you to scat for me and you kindly obliged I loved your technique. How sweet you were,Yes Nick you were born and Magic was Made! Always your sister SunnyD. 

I am so sorry to hear Nick is gone.  She was so special!  So passionate about the music and so good at making things happen.  I haven't seen her in a very long time.  I hope her last years were good.  Sending love and sympathy to her loved ones.


     I remember playing piano in several of Nick's early 'Many Colors of a Woman' celebrations.  It was always a wonderful opportunity to reconvene and perform with her, and with the many musicians whom she would manage to bring together every year.  I will  remember her calm, optimistic, and loving nature.  A true supporter and champion of the creative soul in all of us.  
     Dear Nick, thank you for gracing us with your presence.  May God bless your soul, and may you rest in peace.
Love,
Francesca Tanksley

Nick brought me into a wonderful community of musicians/artists filled with other women - pioneering women like Carline Ray and numerous others.  She was elegant in her way of being and selfless in bringing us together.  And her hair -- OMG!! that great mane she let loose during performances. I will remain grateful to her, to Frances, and cherish the memories of Many Colors of a Woman, year after year, and GROWING as an improviser and person.  Thank you Nick Mathis and may you rest in perfect peace as we move this world with the immeasurable gifts you shared with us and allowed us to share with others.

Nik sent for me from Denver to perform in Many Colors.   It was one of the most memorable events in my life!
Thanks Nikki for some great memories and lots of love. 
May God rest your soul and we will sing in that Heavenly choir one day.
Loving you always ❤ 
Nita Z

Peace to family and friends of Nikki Mathis. Remembering always her musical contributions to the Hartford Community . Wishing everyone strength and clarity in this time of momentous transition. Light, Maurice 


I'll never forget being invited to M.C. the Many of C.O.L.O.R.S of a Woman Music Festival by Nicki.  I was so honored and terrified.  Nicki was tremendous to work with.  To her family and friends, be encouraged.  What a legacy she has left us. 

I had the pleasure of performing with Nikki on many occasions since the late 1980’s. I will miss her. My sincerest and deepest condolences to her family.

Nothing or no one is lost in GOD. Nicki Mathis lives on in the hearts and minds of all of us that know and love her. She leaves a legacy that will last for as long as the sun shines and the waters flow.
My condolences to her family and friends.🙏🏿 Peace and Blessings be upon her Soul 🙏🏿

Many Colors of Woman is who Nicki is to me. Every year in Hartford since the 80s Nick would  produce the "Many Colors of a Woman" concert series and it would be spectacular! This  concert was Nicki's heart and soul!  This epic event would include women in the Arts &Music!  Nicki was music and more music. Nicki will be eternally missed here in Hartford,  hopefully "Many Colors of a Woman" can be reimagined,and move on with all of us who were invited to sing and accompany her on the stage!  Heaven has its angel now and I'm quite sure they're listening to her singing and wearing her spectacular ensembles. Rest in Heavenly peace, Nicki you will be missed.
Your musical friend, Margaux.


I'm going to miss playing piano for Nick. She was a great singer and a wonderful person with a big heart.

We talked earlier this year about doing a gospel music session at St James United Methodist Church during our virtual worship hour when she returns to El Paso from the East Coast.

My condolences are with her family. May God comfort you and may Nick rest in peace.

Pastor Robert Hemphill, Jr., Ph.D.
St James United Methodist Church

OBITUARY

Nick Mathis

March 13, 1936 – December 28, 2020

Funeraria del Angel Restlawn

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