Matthew Paul Miller (born June 30, 1979), better known by his stage name Matisyahu is an American reggae musician.
Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds, Matisyahu is most recognizable for his single "King Without a Crown", which was a surprise Top 40 hit, & for being a hasidic Jew. Since 2004, he has released two studio albums as well as one live album, two remix CDs and one DVD featuring a live concert, and a number of interviews. Through his short career, Matisyahu has teamed up with some of the biggest names in reggae production including Bill Laswell and duo Sly & Robbie. Since his debut, Matisyahu has received positive reviews from both rock and reggae outlets. Most recently, he was named Top Reggae Artist of 2006 by Billboard as well as being named a spokesperson for Kenneth Cole.
Origin of his name
Matisyahu is an Ashkenazi Hebrew and Yiddish pronunciation of the Biblical name Matthew. The same Hebrew name corresponds to the name Mattathias which is sometimes used as a translation of the name of the 2nd century B.C.E. Jewish high priest of the Maccabees. Matisyahu Miller explained the origin of his personal use of the name in an interview in Kosher Spirit Magazine (a publication by OK Kosher Certification) as follows: His full secular name is Matthew Paul Miller, and the legal Hebrew name he received at his brit milah (circumcision ceremony) at eight days of age was forgotten. In Hebrew school it was assumed to be Matisyahu because of the connection between Matthew and Matisyahu. The original certificate from the brit was later located and he discovered that the actual name given at the brit was the Yiddish name "Feivish Hershel". He was advised by his rabbis to continue using the Hebrew name that he had grown up with.
Touring members
Current
* Matisyahu - vocals (2000-present)
* Aaron Dugan − guitar (2004-present)
* Jason Fraticelli - bass guitar (2007-present)
* Rob Marscher - keyboards (2008-present)
* Skoota Warner - drums (2007-present)
* Daniel Sadownick - percussion (2006-present)
Former
* Jonah David − drums (2004-2007)
* Josh Werner - bass (2004-2007)
* Borahm Lee - keyboards (2006-2007)
Awards
* 2006 Esquire's Esky Music Awards - Most Lovable Oddball in The magazine called him "the most intriguing reggae artist in the world.
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