Matthew Champion Hogan

Matthew Champion Hogan

January 13, 2008

Matthew Champion Hogan was born on June 22, 1953 in Red Bluff, CA to June and Francis Hogan. When Matt was still a toddler, the family moved to Hamilton City where they owned a market on Highway 32.

Matt was in the Boy Scouts, studied karate and played on the Hamilton City Fireballs little league team. He also loved chess and often stayed in the classroom during recess just to play a match. To say Matt was an avid reader is an understatement. He read everything he could get his hands on and his passion for reading continued throughout his life. He was also a member of the Episcopal Church and served as an acolyte during his teenage years.

Matt graduated from Willows High School, class of 1971. He received his AA degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and a BA in Humanities from California State University, Chico.

Matt's true passion in life was the guitar. At the age of 12, a friend showed him how to play a couple of chords and Matt was hooked. He taught himself by listening to all types of music and figuring out the songs he liked. His first guitar was a baby blue Kalamazoo, while his most beloved was his well worn 1956 Gibson Les Paul.

Matt formed and fronted many bands over the years, including Blue Sky, Rudy Kam, The Agentz and Diamond Back. He also performed with other local groups including Chico's eternal funk outfit, Brutilicus Maximus and Chico country blues icon, Danny West and the Lonesome Cowboys.

Matt is best known for his group the Incredible Diamonds which he formed in the 1980's and has continued with various lineups for the past three decades. His vision was to pay tribute to the great American music forms of the Œ40s, Œ50s and Œ60s including rockabilly, Chicago blues and the great urban jump blues and hillbilly bands of the south. The Diamonds were a staple in the Chico music scene for years and played numerous local theater and music productions along with many Friday Night Concerts in the Park.

Matt was a true performer with tremendous stage presence. A musician's musician who gained the respect of all who saw him play live. His famed "bar walk", walking down the top of the bar while playing his guitar behind his head, was well anticipated at every Incredible Diamonds show.

A steadfast supporter of the Arts, Matt was always available to participate in and help raise money for numerous non profits whenever asked, including: Shakespeare in the Park, KCSC Radio, Chico Free Dinner Program and his beloved hometown of Hamilton City's Levee Festival to name just a few. Matt also served on the City of Chico Arts Commission.

He was instrumental in helping many local bands find gigs, musicians or anything else they needed. Whether it was finding them equipment, a place to stay or a bike to get around on, Matt would always help if he could.

His generosity wasn't limited to his fellow musicians and artists. Matt would lend his assistance to almost anyone in need. From performing at nursing homes to organizing a fundraiser for a family who lost their home in a fire or supporting his many friends, Matt was always there for his community. He was recognized for his efforts by his peers and the City of Chico when he was presented with multiple Chico Arts Awards (ANNIES).

Matt owned and operated Mr. Lucky bar downtown Chico from 1999 to 2006. This was where Matt was in his element. His goal was to create a comfortable place where people could come unwind, listen to music and have a good time. Matt also loved to deejay at Mr. Lucky. Drawing from his extensive musical repertoire, he would spend countless hours and energy finding just the right, eclectic mix that patrons couldn't hear anywhere else in town.

Friends of Matt will tell you about his great sense of humor and how he always had a new joke or an old story to tell. He was quick to see the lighter side of a situation and never took himself too seriously. Matt was a huge personality with an unmistakable, booming voice but he always allowed room for others to be in the spotlight.

Growing up in Hamilton City, Matt learned to speak fluent Spanish, which he used frequently to connect with his many Latino friends.

Knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects- from politics to pop culture to the best way to fix a scooter, Matt was the guy you could ask any question and he usually knew the answer. He could fix almost anything.

It is impossible to justly describe all of Matt's talents and attributes. He touched the lives of so many people in countless ways and had an impact on all who knew him. So many people in Chico have a "Matt Hogan" story they'd love to share with you. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Matt was a devoted and loving son, brother and uncle and a great friend.

Matthew is survived by his two brothers, Michael of Chico and Timothy of Garberville, his sister, Mary and brother-in-law Joe Johnston of Chico, nieces, Shelby and Haley Johnston of Chico, Patty Hogan Massart and Kelly Hogan of Washington, Esther Hogan of Redding, Heather Hogan of the Bay Area and Holly Hogan of Chico, nephews, J.C. Hogan of Idaho, Thomas Hogan of Nevada and Matthew William Hogan of Marin County, cousins Dennis Hogan of Healdsburg and Kevin Hogan of Stockton, Frank Wright of Petaluma and Bing Rice of Anderson and his uncle Thomas Hogan of Santa Rosa.

The family has planned a small memorial service on January 27, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chico Women's Center; all arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home. Matt's Incredible Diamond band mates are planning a tribute in February.

Incredible Diamond ­ Gone but not forgotten.