City Hall was swingin’ Tuesday night as the Hackensack Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation honoring resident Matthew Whitaker for musical excellence and community service.
Born in Hackensack in 2001 several months premature, Whitaker faced early medical complications, including retinopathy, that left him blind. He has built an inspiring career as a pianist, organist, drummer, composer, and arranger, with a gift for perfect pitch and playing by ear that has made him a standout since childhood. He has since reached one of music’s highest honors, winning a Grammy Award with the 8-Bit Band for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for “Super Mario Praise Break.” This milestone showcased Hackensack talent on music’s biggest stage and shared the essence of the “Hackensack sound” with the world.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, Whitaker has collected accolades that match his artistry, including winning the Apollo Theater’s Child Stars of Tomorrow competition, becoming the youngest artist ever endorsed by Hammond Organ at age 13, and being named the youngest Yamaha Artist at age 14. He has also been featured on major platforms including Today, Ellen, and 60 Minutes, and has performed on world-renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, major international jazz festivals, and the Apollo Theater, where he opened for Stevie Wonder.
“I always tell people everywhere I go that I was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey. I’m blessed, I’m grateful, and I’m honored to receive this proclamation,” Whitaker said.
Whitaker’s impact also extends beyond the bandstand through collaborations with renowned artists such as Jon Batiste, Bootsy Collins, and Anderson .Paak. He has also earned nominations for an Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award.
The proclamation highlighted Whitaker’s continued commitment to Hackensack through years of service to New Hope Baptist Church’s music ministry, where he has supported worship and community life through music. It also recognized his advocacy for people with disabilities, including consulting with companies and developers to help improve accessibility.
Two additional proclamations were presented in the meeting, recognizing Black History Month and Dominican Republic Independence Day, underscoring the City’s ongoing commitment to celebrating heritage, culture, and the people who shape Hackensack.
